Former President Donald Trump is making assertive moves to consolidate his control over the Republican Party, a move that some see as a precursor to the autocratic rule he might impose if he secures a second term. This follows his recent victories in the Iowa and New Hampshire primaries.
Trump is reportedly pressuring Nikki Haley, the former South Carolina governor, to withdraw from the GOP presidential race. He has also warned donors supporting Haley that they risk being ostracized. Trump’s supporters have attempted to push the Republican National Committee to declare him the presumptive nominee after just two nominating races, a move that Trump later retracted due to concerns from his allies about potential backlash.
The 45th president is also pressuring GOP members of Congress to reject an immigration deal, a move seen as an attempt to deny President Joe Biden a legislative victory and to exploit the border crisis during his campaign. Trump’s aggressive assertion of power, reminiscent of his behavior during his term in office, is causing concern among critics who fear the dawn of autocracy if he secures a second term.
Trump’s desire to pressure Haley out of the race, despite leading in the delegate count 32 to 17 out of the 1,215 needed for the GOP nomination, is seen as consistent with his disregard for democratic processes. He has frequently stated his intention to use a second term to exact “retribution” on his enemies and has demanded full criminal immunity for presidents.
At a recent rally in Manchester, New Hampshire, Trump praised Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, who is known for eroding political freedoms and discrediting the electoral system. Trump’s comments have led to speculation that Orbán may serve as a model for the type of authoritarian leader Trump aspires to be.
However, Trump’s aggressive tactics could also pose risks for his campaign. His bullying approach and sexist language towards Haley could alienate moderate, independent, suburban voters, a demographic that contributed to his defeat in 2020. If Trump hopes to secure a second term, he must mitigate his deficit among this group.
Despite the pressure from Trump and his supporters, Haley has refused to withdraw from the race, a move that has provoked Trump’s ire. Trump has also warned that anyone who contributes financially to Haley’s campaign will be “barred from the MAGA camp”, a threat that Haley has used as a fundraising pitch for her campaign.
Trump’s attempts to kill an immigration deal being negotiated by Republican and Democratic senators have also sparked outrage. Some GOP senators have expressed frustration at Trump’s interference, accusing him of prioritizing his campaign over the needs of the country.
The former president’s influence over the GOP and his potential impact on the upcoming election has raised concerns about the future of democracy in the United States.