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From Reagan to Trump: How the GOP Lost Its Way

The GOP’s journey is a tale of shifting ideologies, changing priorities, and the rise of a populist wave that has left many wondering if the party has lost its way.

Libby Winkler
4 min readMay 26, 2024
Photo by Nicolas HIPPERT on Unsplash

From Reagan to Trump: How the GOP Lost Its Way

The Republican Party, once synonymous with conservative principles and limited government, has undergone a profound transformation over the past four decades. From Ronald Reagan's charismatic leadership to Donald Trump's divisive tenure, the GOP’s journey is a tale of shifting ideologies, changing priorities, and the rise of a populist wave that has left many wondering if the party has lost its way.

The Reagan Era: Conservative Ascendancy

Ronald Reagan’s presidency (1981–1989) marked a golden era for the Republican Party.

Reagan championed conservative values, focusing on reducing government intervention, cutting taxes, and promoting free-market capitalism. His foreign policy was robust, advocating for a strong national defense and taking a hard stance against the Soviet Union, ultimately significantly ending the Cold War.

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Libby Winkler
Libby Winkler

Written by Libby Winkler

Freelance writer who loves exploring the messiness of humanity, while poking around in nooks of life and shining light on all the things that make us complex..

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