RIP MAGA? Stunned US right contemplates life after Trump

Washington: The American right is grappling with the aftermath of Donald Trump's devastating defeat in the recent midterm elections, which raised questions about the party's future and the role of its former president in shaping it. Many Republicans are now contemplating a break from the populist ideology and identity-based rhetoric that fueled Trump's rise to power.

The Wall Street Journal called for soul-searching and a return to traditional conservatism, noting that tariffs and mass deportation are no substitute for rising real incomes and persuading key voter groups. The White House, however, maintained a steadfast stance, reiterating that Trump remains their president until January 2029.

The political cycle remains relentless, with the 2028 campaign already underway, and Trump's exclusion from the race due to the US Constitution's third-term ban. While criticism of Trump by name remains relatively muted, some Republican leaders and far-right influencers are distancing themselves from the former president, acknowledging him as the problem.

The future of the party and the MAGA movement remains uncertain as Republicans grapple with a resounding defeat that far exceeded any optimistic Democratic scenarios.