The Elephant in the Room: Donald Trump and the Future of the Republican Party

Did Donald Trump create a new blueprint for Republicans, ruin the Grand Old Party, or something in between? And what, if anything, should his role be in the future of the party? In this collection of timely essays, a variety of center-right political scientists and commentators address Donald J. Trump’s past effects and future role in the Republican Party. Covering policy, politics, character, and comportment, the authors offer a wide range of analyses and recommendations. Essays range from Trump’s place in historical context to analyses of contemporary voting behavior to efforts to disentangle Trump’s policies from his persona.

Andrew E. Busch is a professor in the Howard H. Baker, Jr. School of Public Policy and Public Affairs and associate director of the Institute of American Civics at the University of Tennessee.