A.J. Liebling, an outstanding journalist who worked for the New Yorker, visited Louisiana Governor Earl Long in the 1950s. When he became familiar with Earl, he was struck by the contrast between him and his famous brother Huey. Liebling related a story that sharpened the contrast. The story involved the “Kingfish” Huey Long asking a supporter for a drink. Obligingly, his friend brought up a bottle which Huey refused to share. Harnett Kane, a Louisiana journalist, pointed out that “Earl would have given him a drink out of the bottle.”

This explanation could also account for Donald Trump’s attitude towards the Republican Party. You could give him anything he wants, but one backslide, and you’re through. Thomas Massie, John Cornyn, Bill Cassidy, and a slew of lesser-known officials can testify to the dangers of crossing “the Donald.” Not since Franklin Roosevelt attempted a “purge” in 1938 has a President tried to eliminate dissidents in his party. So far, Trump has a better success rate, but this might not be good in the long run.

Even the most subservient politician has their limit. But these officials must be flummoxed about the standard of support they are supposed to provide. Some, like Cassidy, voted with Trump at a 90% rate, and Massie broke with him only on the Jeffrey Epstein business. Not since Huey Long bragged about buying legislators as if they were “a sack of potatoes” has an executive shown as much contempt for politicians. FDR, however, would have done it more politely, but his attitude paralleled DJT’s approach.

However, the technique may have drawbacks, as it confuses the public and angers GOP regulars. But it also shows that Trump is not, in his inner political being, much of a Republican. If MAGA has shown itself as anything politically, it is not the Tea Party. Trump did not lift a finger to help Chip Roy win the Attorney General nomination in the Primary in Texas. The reason was probably that Roy endorsed Nikki Haley in the 2024 presidential race. Besides, Trump has no love for politicians with an independent streak.

Perhaps Democrats could appreciate the irony in Trump’s actions if they could, for a minute, curb their partisanship. None of the politicians who were canned, with the possible exception of Massie, were particularly outstanding or principled. They were Tea Partiers who saw Trump as a bad substitute for Ted Cruz or Jeb Bush. They smugly believed that their congressional voting record would be enough while playing their supposed roles as mentors to Trump. To his credit, Trump recognized this and eliminated them from the playing field.

To members of the GOP in exile, such as Tim Miller, Nicolle Wallace, or any member of the Bulwark or Lincoln Project, Trump is a barrier. However, since 2015, these observers have proven as inept as they were wrong. As for supporting Democratic policies, especially domestically, they show their disapproval by inaction.

Remember, these were the same Mugwumps who eagerly predicted that Hillary Clinton would win in a walk. If nothing else, they were too clever by half. Trump is slipping, true enough, but largely because he has tried to appease the regular GOP. It is quite interesting that he saw himself get into trouble in Iran by going the full Lindsey Graham. Perhaps Trump might find it prudent to learn from FDR that a shift in direction might prove profitable. The purges were a good start.