"Donald Trump's grip on the Republican Party has survived countless political setbacks, a global pandemic, and the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol. It will survive his ugly Monday morning social media post about the death of Rob Reiner too. However, the immediate backlash to that post, in which Trump suggested that the Hollywood director had somehow brought death upon himself due to his disdain for the president, illustrates just how much that grip has slackened."
"So far, in the intervening hours, congressional Republicans and other figures on the right have taken to the internet, without being prompted, to criticize Trump. The critics aren't just swing-district Republicans, like Rep. Mike Lawler, of New York, or Trump adversaries, like libertarian Rep. Thomas Massie, of Kentucky. Instead, even an otherwise loyal Republican, Rep. Stephanie Bice, of Oklahoma, has chastised the president for the post."
Donald Trump's grip on the Republican Party has endured many major setbacks but shows signs of weakening. A controversial social media post suggesting Rob Reiner brought about his own death triggered immediate backlash from congressional Republicans and right-leaning figures online. Critics included swing-district lawmakers and normally loyal Republicans such as Rep. Stephanie Bice, who urged prayer for the grieving family rather than politicalizing the tragedy. The proactive public criticism contrasts with earlier practice of avoiding comment or feigning ignorance of Trump's posts. A longtime party operative said "Trump rules by fear," and declining fear is illustrated by failures to rally support for state-level gerrymandering efforts.
Read at Slate Magazine
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