NATIONAL HARBOR, Md. — Republican dissidents and former party members convened near the nation’s capital this weekend, repeatedly cautioning that President Donald Trump and his congressional supporters are damaging America’s democratic foundations.
One ex-lawmaker characterized Trump’s party as a “cult that embraces authoritarianism.” A well-known conservative author called Trumpism a threat to the nation’s existence. A former Army general, his voice trembling with feeling, referenced post-World War II Germany as a model for America’s eventual recovery from the Trump era.
Whether anyone is paying attention remains questionable.
The primary meeting space at this year’s sixth Principles First gathering on Saturday and Sunday was barely half occupied. Organizers arranged approximately 750 seats in a venue capable of accommodating several thousand attendees, yet many remained vacant. No sitting Republican office holders took part in the weekend’s activities.
This represents what’s left of the GOP’s Never Trump faction — a group of Republicans, ex-Republicans and independents who united as Trump gained control of the party. They continue to exist as political outcasts, uncomfortable with Democrats while repulsed by the president’s rejection of traditional Republican principles like free markets and smaller government.
John McDowell, a 69-year-old lifelong Republican until Trump’s rise, admitted the shrinking movement has essentially no influence within his former party.
“It’s just a fact. We’re losing good people,” McDowell explained. The former Hill aide and California county GOP official added, “The party is becoming more and more MAGA-fied.”
White House representative Abigail Jackson rejected the criticism from what she termed “a bunch of deranged has-been politicians.”
“The only people who will pay attention to this event are the journalists who are forced to cover it,” Jackson stated.
Nearly all attendees at the National Harbor, Maryland hotel expressed hope for Democratic wins in November’s midterm contests. Among the few Democrats present was Conor Lamb, a former Pennsylvania congressman who lost his party’s Senate primary to John Fetterman in 2022.
Even amid serious worries, some cautious hope emerged in the partially filled auditorium and quiet hotel corridors.
Multiple attendees applauded last week’s Supreme Court ruling that blocked Trump’s trade tariffs — economic weapons he’s used without legislative consent to pressure nations worldwide. Trump declared he would impose new tariffs regardless of the court decision.
Former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, once a Trump advisor, pointed to recent AP-NORC survey data indicating one in four Republicans nationally disapprove of Trump’s performance.
“It’s like any show that’s on TV for a long time — the ratings start to go down. And the ratings are going down,” Christie observed. “I am willing to bet you that by next February, this room is going to be twice the size of what it is now. After the midterms, you watch.”
Former Trump supporter Rich Logis, sporting a red “I left MAGA hat,” anticipates “an electoral revolt against MAGA” in the midterms.
“I think there’s a shift in our country right now,” Logis said. “It happens slowly.”
Logis promoted support groups for relatives and friends of Trump followers at a booth outside the main hall. Close by, someone sold books about escaping cult environments.
From the stage, former Republican Representative Joe Walsh urged Trump opponents not to minimize the danger the president represents to America.
“He’s everything our founders feared. Say it. Believe it,” Walsh declared. He described his former party as “an authoritarian-embracing cult” and “a threat to everything I love.”
Retired General Mark Hertling, former commander of U.S. Army forces in Europe, said international partners “haunt” him by questioning “whether American institutions ever can be trusted again.”
“Our nation’s institutions have been shaken. Our alliances have been strained. Our credibility has been damaged. And our nation’s values have been cast aside,” Hertling stated. He recommended America examine Germany’s post-Nazi reconstruction as a blueprint for repairing Trump-related damage.
The country’s healing process, he said with a breaking voice, would require years of dedicated effort to achieve.
Bill Kristol, a veteran of past Republican administrations who co-founded the Weekly Standard publication, labeled Trump and his GOP congressional allies “an existential threat” to America. However, he expressed optimism about November’s elections.
Kristol predicted Democrats are “almost certain to win the House,” “could possibly win the Senate,” and maintain “a good chance to win the presidency” in 2028.
Brittany Martinez, who leads host organization Principles First, attempted an upbeat message despite explaining why she couldn’t continue working as a Republican congressional staffer.
“I hope that Republicans continue to wake up,” Martinez said. “I do think that those folks exist. And I hope that they exist in greater numbers.”
