Republican Governor Says He 'Failed' to Get Trump to Change

Utah Governor Spencer Cox believes his efforts to build bridges with former President Donald Trump failed. In his upcoming book, Off Ramp, the governor reflects on his attempts to reduce political polarization and violence. Cox hoped the 2024 assassination attempt on Trump during a campaign rally would serve as a turning point, prompting the president to lower tensions and promote unity.

However, Cox concluded he "failed" as events did not unfold as hoped. He recognized that America is reaching an inflection point of conflict and hate over politics, where disdain for one another has replaced disagreement. After the shooting, Cox wrote to Trump, urging him to use his survival as an opportunity to heal the nation.

Despite some common ground on issues like border security, Cox and Trump pursued "different paths on contempt and loving our enemies." Cox also attempted to persuade then-President Joe Biden to grant Trump a pardon, but Biden ultimately decided against it, citing the demand for justice from many Americans. The governor's book also delves into the aftermath of the 2025 shooting of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk, which he saw as a stark reminder of the growing political violence in the country.

Cox warns that contempt has become normalized, with people viewing opponents as enemies rather than fellow citizens. He urges Americans to break this cycle of rage and find courage in forgiveness.