Conservative Principles Face Redefinition as Trump Retains Over 90% Republican Approval

Veteran conservative commentator Jay Nordlinger recently observed a profound ideological shift within the American right, noting that principles once "preached and warned against" by conservatives have been embraced following Donald Trump's emergence. Nordlinger, a senior editor at National Review, highlighted this transformation, suggesting a significant departure from long-held tenets that defined the movement for decades. His reflection underscores a deep internal debate within the Republican Party regarding its core identity.

"Throughout my life, conservatives preached and warned against this. Then Trump came along ...," Jay Nordlinger stated in a recent tweet.

This sentiment reflects a consistent stance by Nordlinger and other traditional conservatives, many of whom coalesced into the "Never Trump" movement. For decades, the conservative intellectual movement, often championed by publications like National Review, advocated for core principles such as limited government, free markets, strong international alliances, and a robust emphasis on character and the rule of law in public life. The rise of Donald Trump, however, introduced policies and rhetoric that challenged these established norms.

One notable area of divergence is trade policy. Traditional conservatives have historically championed free trade, believing it fosters economic growth and global stability. Trump, conversely, moved the Republican Party towards protectionism, imposing significant tariffs on imported goods, a move economists warned could raise prices for consumers. In foreign policy, the long-standing conservative commitment to robust alliances like NATO and a principled stance against authoritarian regimes was often replaced by Trump's "America First" isolationism and overtures to leaders such as Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un. Nordlinger explicitly pointed to Trump's leadership away from free trade and towards the Kremlin.

Concerns also extend to the erosion of constitutional norms and the rule of law. Traditional conservatives placed high value on the separation of powers, the independence of the judiciary, and the civility of political discourse. Critics argue that Trump's actions, including his questioning of election results, his attacks on judicial rulings, and his general disregard for established political conventions, directly contradicted these foundational values that conservatives previously sought to uphold. This shift has led to profound discussions about the meaning of "conservatism" itself.

Despite these perceived ideological contradictions and the vocal opposition from figures like Nordlinger, polling data consistently indicates that Donald Trump maintains over 90% approval among self-identified Republicans. This broad and enduring support suggests that for a significant portion of the Republican base, loyalty to Trump and his populist agenda has superseded adherence to traditional conservative principles, prompting an ongoing redefinition of the movement's future direction and creating a new political landscape that continues to evolve.