There have been many attempts to discredit or destroy former President Donald Trump.
Words and actions that might otherwise have been of little consequence received enormous attention. Trump is certainly a polarizing figure, but even the most neutral observer would be able to determine that in select areas, he has been treated unfairly. It would help if the media and Democrats in Congress could admit the discrepancy. Democratic biases have been on display. Republican biases have, too.
Because Trump was such a target for the Left, it created a need within the GOP to defend him against any and all attacks. This means that even substantiated accusations are considered little more than partisan assaults. This binary approach keeps neither side honest.
This bears note in light of the announcement by an accounting firm that handled Trump’s accounting for years. The company, Mazars, has severed ties and informed Trump’s team that “they should no longer rely on financial statements from June 2011 through June 2020.” This is a result of New York Attorney General Letitia James’s investigation into Trump’s business dealings. While there is no word if anything criminal occurred, Republicans are nervous. After all, the 2022 and 2024 elections loom closer each day.
But here’s the thing: Why wait until something does or does not amount from this latest examination?
Even if nothing serious or criminal comes from it, that should not be a green light of support for Trump ahead of either the midterm elections or the next presidential election. It has been obvious for quite some time that the GOP should turn the page on Trump.
Republicans are still drunk on the 2016 win over Hillary Clinton. But if anything, that was a one-off. While the 45th president faced unparalleled opposition unlike others during his tenure, it’s also true he helped to sabotage his future chances at victory. The events on Jan. 6 (while not akin to 9/11, as some absurdly claim) were unacceptable. They were initially supported by Trump. Trump even believed himself betrayed by his own vice president when Mike Pence certified Joe Biden’s victory.
To be clear, that day alone should disqualify Trump from further Republican Party support. That was the worst of his time in office. But there are many other moments, words, and actions that factor into his unfitness to lead.
Why should Republican members of Congress, party executives, and committed GOP voters continue clinging to a man who will throw anyone under the bus if they dare to cross him? Any suggestion to “wait and see” whether legal troubles amount to anything is to forget the past.
It is fully expected Trump will remain a fixture in national politics. He continues to receive support and praise. He’s still the de facto leader of the party. This probably won’t change for years to come. But whether Trump should be considered a future candidate is a discussion that should end.
Republicans should thank Trump for his service and move on. Trump will remain a force, but should not be the featured leader of a party that desperately needs to reassess and regroup.
Kimberly Ross (@SouthernKeeks) is a contributor to the Washington Examiner’s Beltway Confidential blog and a columnist at Arc Digital.
