Rita Panahi: Why GOP remains the party of Trump

Even though he lost the election, it’s clear that Trump is the leader of the Republican Party and its de facto opposition leader.

Former US president Donald Trump has addressed the Conservative Political Action Conference. Picture: Joe Raedle

“Do you miss me yet?”

With that, Donald Trump launched into his first speech since leaving the White House around six weeks ago.

The close to 90 minute-address was classic Trump and a reminder to the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) crowd, and millions of conservatives watching elsewhere, of why they voted for him in the first place.

“I stand before you today to declare that the incredible journey we begun together … is far from being over,” Trump said. “In the end we will win.”

Among Republicans, Trump’s approval rating has hovered around 90 per cent; a phenomenal achievement that has withstood the most viciously dishonest media campaign any president has ever faced.

Trump told the CPAC crowd that “we are in the middle of historic struggle for American’s future” and went on to detail the Biden Administration policies that will disadvantage America.

Trump supporters cheer for his arrival in Orlando, Florida. Picture: Chandan Khanna

The wide ranging speech covered everything from foreign affairs to energy policy to critical race theory ideology.

In what will come as sweet relief to Republicans, Trump said that he had no interest in splitting the centre-right vote by creating his own party.

“The Republican Party is united … the only division is between a handful of Washington DC-establishment political hacks,” he said.

Trump warned that if Republicans don’t stick together the RINOs (Republican In Name Only) will destroy the GOP (Grand Old Party).

He called for electoral reform, slammed the changes to election laws in swing states before the 2020 poll and highlighted his administration’s record in making “America energy independent,” creating jobs, engineering multiple peace deals, and being the first president since Jimmy Carter to not send U.S. Troops into new wars.

But what the crowd was waiting with bated breath to hear was whether Trump would run again.

Though he dropped several hints, Trump did not formally announce that he would seek the presidency in 2024.

“We will take back the house, we will win the senate and then a Republican president will make a triumphant return to the White House … and I wonder who that will be?” he said.

It’s clear that Trump is the leader of the Republican Party and the de facto opposition leader.

Whether he runs again in 2024 or not is almost immaterial, the Republican candidate would need Trump’s endorsement to have any chance of winning the nomination.

“I will be actively working to elect strong, tough and smart Republican leaders,” Trump said today.

Among the early frontrunners, and it is awfully early, are the Trumpian governor of Florida Ron DeSantis and the Trump loyalist governor of South Dakota Kristi Noem.

The GOP remains the party of Trump.