Republican Clears Up The Rumors
As New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu prepares to wrap up his term, he’s reflecting on the future of the Republican Party, especially with President-elect Donald Trump set to return to the White House. Sununu, a moderate Republican who has consistently championed a balanced and pragmatic approach to politics, is offering a nuanced view of Trump’s second term and the direction of the GOP.
In an interview with Politico, Sununu downplayed concerns about Trump’s leadership, noting that the Republican Party remains a space where leaders can and should voice disagreement when necessary. He pointed out that, while it’s always challenging to criticize a sitting president, especially one from your own party, there are already Republicans willing to stand up and push back against policies they don’t support. This, according to Sununu, is a sign that the party is not a “dictatorship,” as the liberal media sometimes portrays it, but a healthy, functioning political entity.
He also highlighted a key moment when former Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) was unable to secure enough support to become Trump’s U.S. Attorney General nominee. Gaetz, under investigation for serious allegations, was swiftly withdrawn from consideration, a decision that reflected the party’s ability to maintain accountability even within its own ranks.
Sununu, who has served four terms as governor, will not be seeking a Senate seat or a presidential run, instead planning to return to private life. He did, however, reflect on the lasting influence of Trump’s movement. While he endorsed former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley for president in 2024, he ultimately backed Trump once Haley suspended her campaign. Sununu acknowledged that there is no “Trump lite” in the party, recognizing the unique impact the president-elect has had on American politics.
For Sununu, the future of the GOP is about balance: staying true to conservative principles while allowing for dissent and debate within the party. This approach, he believes, is essential for ensuring the party’s success moving forward.
