(Tom Brenner | The New York Times) Donald Trump at the White House in Washington, May 24, 2019.
As I recall the descent of “the Donald” down the Trump Tower escalator in 2015 to announce his bid for POTUS, my faith in the probity of the Republican Party was about to be shattered. Today, I sense a foreboding of a political conflagration on the right from MAGA in-fighting and its controversial viewpoint on white nationalism, racism and QAnon conspiracy theories.
Trumpism has overwhelmed the ethics of the GOP. I shudder to think of a twice-impeached and polarizing figure making another run at the presidency. His first run was abetted by the Wikileaks blitz of Hillary’s emails. This time he will play the victim of an overzealous Justice Department launching a political attack on his candidacy. I think another term for him in office should be stymied by his looming brush with the law, holding him accountable for an attempted coup, mishandling of government documents and election meddling.
Who can condone a former president hosting a dinner with guests like Ye, an anti-semitic person, and Nick Fuentes, a Holocaust denier and white supremacist? So far, no one in the GOP has condemned his lack of judgment and bigotry. The GOP needs new leadership.
From the “Art of the Deal” to the Art of the Steal, the GOP continues to lean into extremism despite the will of the voters who prefer moderation as seen in the results of the 2022 midterm elections. Trump promised so much “winning.” What we have seen is a lot of losing, from Trump backed candidates to numerous Trump court case rulings.
You can’t be a leader if you are afraid and I think Trump has reasons to be very afraid.
Don Hiddleson, Millcreek
Submit a letter to the editor
Donate to the newsroom now. The Salt Lake Tribune, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) public charity and contributions are tax deductible
PREMIUM
Report a missed paper by emailing subscribe@sltrib.com or calling 801-237-2900
For e-edition questions or comments, contact customer support 801-237-2900 or email subscribe@sltrib.com
sltrib.com © 1996-2022 The Salt Lake Tribune. All rights reserved.