In a compelling essay for The Atlantic, Peter Wehner, a former senior aide to President George W. Bush, expressed his deep concern over the willingness of Republicans to persistently support Donald Trump, despite his increasingly authoritarian rhetoric. Wehner argues that while Trump's divisive behavior and actions may not come as a surprise, what troubles him the most is the Republican Party's accommodation of Trump's corruption, even though they know better.

Wehner takes a candid stance on Trump, describing him as a profoundly damaged individual, both emotionally and psychologically. He emphasizes that Trump has been completely transparent about his true character. However, what troubles him the most is the behavior of his fellow Republicans, who have stood by Trump, refusing to distance themselves from his actions, regardless of the consequences.

Some Republicans actively cheer on the former president, while others choose to silently go along for the ride. A few may gently criticize him, only to quickly change the topic. Wehner points out that these individuals never truly leave Trump, leading to a troubling inner conflict within the party.

To ease their inner conflict, Wehner argues that Republicans have embraced conspiracy theories and catastrophism. By doing so, they find a way to justify their loyalty to Trump, despite his numerous legal woes and divisive rhetoric. This embrace of conspiracy theories not only perpetuates the misinformation, but also further entrenches the party's support for an authoritarian figure.

Surprisingly, recent polls indicate that Trump remains the front-runner for the Republican presidential nomination in 2024, boasting a significant 59% approval rating. Additionally, if the 2020 election were to be replayed next year, Trump leads President Joe Biden in swing states, according to the polls. However, commentators caution against drawing strong conclusions from these early polling numbers, as they are still far ahead of Election Day.

The ongoing support for Donald Trump from within the Republican Party raises concerns about the emergence of authoritarianism in American politics. Wehner's essay calls attention to the need for critical thinking and principled leadership within the party, highlighting the dangers of blindly supporting someone who poses a threat to democratic values. As the 2024 election approaches, the fate of the Republican Party hangs in the balance, with the decision to either break away from Trump or continue down a troubling path.