He lost the 2020 presidential election and his role in the January 6, 2021 Capitol storming is under investigation. But nothing helps: Donald Trump continues to dominate the Republican Party, where almost no one overshadows him.
The former American president, 75, will speak on Saturday in Orlando, Florida before CPAC, the annual meeting of American conservatives. The opportunity to confirm his popularity among his supporters.
While waiting for his arrival, his presence is felt everywhere in the hotel hosting the conference: as much in the red caps crossed out with a “Make America Great Again” (Make America great, its campaign slogan) as in speeches, like that of Republican Senator Ted Cruz, which have chained mockery and attacks against figures hated by conservatives.
“Trump is so popular that no matter what stance he takes, most Republicans think we have to do the same thing as him, or at least not criticize too much” his position, explains Aubrey Jewett, professor of political science at the University of Central Florida.
“Because if they do,” she adds, the one whose vindictiveness is formidable and feared “will take political revenge.”
Between past and future of the party
Whether they like it or not, Republicans will have to come to terms with him in this crucial year of midterm legislative elections, with the political risks involved in some of his statements.
Last month, for example, Mr. Trump said he could pardon participants in the January 6 attack if he were re-elected in 2024. Only a few Republicans have publicly opposed this possibility, such as the governor of New Hampshire , Chris Sununu.
The ex-president also remains braced on the idea that the presidential election of 2020 was stolen from him, repeating without proof that it was tainted by massive fraud. However, half of Republican voters want to move forward on this subject, according to a poll by the Politico media.
“I think a lot of Republican leaders… would rather leave that behind. They don’t see this as the future of the party. They would prefer not to talk about issues that might be controversial among voters,” says Aubrey Jewett.
Donald Trump “remains someone whose support is sought, especially in the most conservative regions,” said Susan MacManus, professor emeritus at the University of South Florida.
“But increasingly we see that certain elements of language or tone don’t work as well with female voters. And they are often undecided voters, ”she underlines.
DeSantis, possible opponent
Mr. Trump’s influence is such that few voices have emerged to compete with him for the leadership of the party.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis appears to be the only one capable of coming close. Thursday, in his speech at CPAC, Mr. DeSantis was able to verify that he enjoyed strong support among the conservatives.
Applause, ovation at the end of his speech … Thus were welcomed his criticisms of Democratic President Joe Biden and the restrictions of the federal government, in the face of which the governor presents himself as a defender of individual freedoms.
Some of his decisions in Florida, such as his refusal to impose the wearing of masks against COVID-19 in schools, have made him one of the favorite personalities of media like Fox News.
And although Mr. DeSantis denies thinking about the White House, his popularity could change his mind.
According to a poll released this week by the University of North Florida and conducted among Republicans in the state, the governor is almost tied with Donald Trump as the favorite for the presidential election.
“As governor, DeSantis has a very good sense of the economic issues affecting local authorities and local businesses. And he’s able to talk about the economy in a way that makes more sense to people. And right now the economy is the big deal,” notes M.me MacManus.
Sign of the growing influence of Mr. DeSantis, the New York Times reports tensions between him and Mr. Trump, with the governor refusing to say publicly that he would not run in 2024 if the former president entered the race.
However, Donald Trump, who has greatly contributed to the rise of Mr. DeSantis’ career, demands unfailing loyalty from his supporters.