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The GOP’s Dance with Demagoguery: How Trumpism Hijacked Conservatism

Once a bastion of traditional conservatism, the GOP found itself entangled in a tumultuous dance with demagoguery as Trumpism surged to the forefront.

Libby Winkler
3 min readMay 16, 2024
Photo by Natã Figueiredo on Unsplash

The GOP’s Dance with Demagoguery: How Trumpism Hijacked Conservatism

In the annals of American political history, the rise of Donald Trump marked a seismic shift within the Republican Party.

Once a bastion of traditional conservatism, the GOP found itself entangled in a tumultuous dance with demagoguery as Trumpism surged to the forefront. This transformation not only reshaped the party but also redefined the very essence of conservatism itself.

At its core, conservatism traditionally espouses principles such as limited government, fiscal responsibility, free markets, and moral values rooted in Judeo-Christian ethics. However, the ascent of Trump introduced a new brand of conservatism, one characterized by populism, nationalism, and an unapologetic rejection of political norms.

Trump’s rhetoric resonated with a significant segment of the Republican base by tapping into their frustrations and grievances.

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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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