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Former President Donald Trump’s political resurgence has reignited his influence in Republican politics, but a critical vulnerability could reshape his power dynamics. E.J. Dionne Jr., a Washington Post columnist and Georgetown University professor, recently argued that Trump’s status as a “lame duck” president—limited by the 22nd Amendment—may fundamentally alter his grip on the GOP.
“It is clear and unambiguous,” Dionne wrote, pointing to the constitutional provision barring any president from serving more than two terms. If Trump were to win the 2024 election, he would be unable to seek reelection, a limitation that could weaken his sway. “This means that when he is inaugurated on Jan. 20, 2025, Donald Trump immediately becomes a lame duck president,” Dionne emphasized. “This has important implications for everyone in government. That’s especially true for Republicans.”
A Party Eyeing the Post-Trump Era
Dionne suggested that this constitutional constraint could prompt GOP leaders to envision a future beyond Trump. For nearly a decade, Republicans have largely aligned themselves with his agenda, often fearing the repercussions of defying him. However, Trump’s inability to run again might embolden ambitious Republicans to focus on their own political aspirations.
“After nearly a decade… ambitious senators, House members, and governors will be contemplating their own futures in a world without him,” Dionne noted. He highlighted recent signs of Republican independence, such as the Senate’s rejection of MAGA-aligned Rick Scott for GOP leadership. These shifts, he argued, show the party’s potential to assert itself against Trump’s dominance.
Curbing Trump’s Influence
Dionne encouraged Republicans to leverage Trump’s lame-duck status to “hold him in check.” He argued that recognizing Trump’s limitations could pave the way for a healthier political landscape, free from the stranglehold of his influence.
“Recognizing the limitations of a Trump presidency is a first step toward holding Trump in check,” Dionne observed, adding that this perspective could inspire Republicans to resist his “autocratic tendencies” and prioritize their own political goals.
A Word of Caution
Despite Trump’s diminished long-term prospects, Dionne cautioned against underestimating his power. “There should be no complacency about what Trump can do. He has a lot of power,” he warned, emphasizing the MAGA movement’s continued pressure on dissenters.
Ultimately, the GOP faces a critical question: How much are they willing to invest in a president whose future is constitutionally constrained? “Many in the party no doubt wonder if Trump’s sway over his followers will ever go away,” Dionne concluded.
