How as Trump not changed the GOP forever?
New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu, a moderate Republican, recently weighed in on the long-term future of the GOP and the influence of former President Donald Trump. In a candid interview, Sununu made it clear that he doesn’t believe Trump has permanently reshaped the Republican Party.
“We’ve always had a broad spectrum within the party,” Sununu explained on CNN’s State of the Union. “We’ve got moderates, fiscal conservatives, social conservatives, and even social moderates. It’s a big tent, and it will continue to be that way.” The Governor emphasized that the Republican Party has always been diverse in its views, and he doesn’t foresee Trump’s influence fundamentally altering that structure.
Addressing whether Trump’s departure would leave a lasting void in the GOP, Sununu said unequivocally, “There’s no ‘Trump-lite’ or ‘Trump 2.0.’ Trump is unique. He’s built his persona over decades and has become a force in American politics.” Sununu believes that while Trump’s approach to politics was distinct, it doesn’t represent a permanent shift in the party’s core ideology.
When asked if Trump had fundamentally changed the party, Sununu disagreed. “Oh, no. Definitely not,” he said. “There’s still a strong conservative foundation within the party.” He noted that while Trump brought a different style to the GOP, the underlying principles of conservatism have remained intact. “The bigger problem is with the Democrat Party,” Sununu added, referring to the growing leftward shift of the opposition.
While Sununu initially supported former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley in the 2024 Republican primaries, he eventually backed Trump after Haley suspended her campaign. Reflecting on his earlier criticism of Trump, Sununu said, “Trump wasn’t my first choice—nor my second, third, or fourth choice. But he won the nomination, and he won the American people’s vote.” Sununu underscored the importance of supporting the party’s nominee, saying, “It’s about moving the party forward and delivering results for America.”