Republican governors are facing a tough decision as they enter a new political era: Should they follow President-elect Donald Trump without question, or should they carve out their own path? It’s a tricky situation, especially since Trump’s influence looms large over the GOP, and their political futures might depend on how they play it.
The ideal move would be for each governor to prioritize what’s best for their state. But, let’s be real, politicians often care more about keeping their power than anything else. A governor who doesn’t fully support Trump might risk a tough primary battle from someone he endorses. On the other hand, bending to Trump’s will might steer their state’s direction more than they’d like.
Take Florida’s Ron DeSantis, for example. He’s managed to make a name for himself without always following Trump’s lead. When Trump pushed for DeSantis to appoint his daughter-in-law, Lara Trump, to a Senate seat, DeSantis hesitated. Lara Trump had no public office experience in Florida—so it made sense to resist.
DeSantis’ independence shows that it’s possible to lead without always playing by Trump’s rules. And while standing up to Trump can lead to backlash, it can also strengthen a governor’s political foundation. Look at Georgia’s Brian Kemp, who withstood MAGA attacks after refusing to help Trump with the 2020 election. Kemp not only survived but won reelection.
At the end of the day, GOP governors will have to decide when to stand firm and when to go along with Trump. It’s a fine balance, but those who stay true to their states could come out stronger in the long run.
