Would Most Republican Talk Show Hosts Follow Trump if He Started His Own Political Party?

Recent events, particularly the insurrection against the U.S. Capitol, have significantly changed the dynamics of political allegiance within the Republican Party. Would most Republican talk show hosts follow former President Donald Trump if he were to start his own political party?

Historical Context

Just a few years ago, the landscape was different. Many Republican talk show hosts were heavily aligned with Trump. However, this loyalty waned after the events surrounding the January 6th insurrection. It became clear that several of these hosts, who previously supported Trump, had distanced themselves from him. This raises the question: would these same hosts follow Trump if he started his own party?

Financial Motivations

Many Republican talk show hosts, such as Sean Hannity, Alex Jones, and Rush Limbaugh, do not necessarily follow Trump out of ideological alignment but rather because of the financial benefits. Hannity, for instance, earned an estimated $36 million in 2018 by repeating and creating content that catered to his audiences. His primary motivation is to increase his revenue, not to espouse Trump's policies.

Even if Trump were to start his own political party, it is unlikely that these hosts would align with him. They would likely need concrete signs that it would be financially advantageous for them to do so. As one observer noted, Trump would have to generate substantial revenue from his new party to keep the media hosts interested.

Building a New Political Party

Starting a new political party is a complex and time-consuming endeavor. Trump seems to believe that he can simply announce the formation of a new party and see it grow organically. However, building a political party involves much more than just declaring it. It requires sustained effort to recruit and organize members, build a policy platform, and create a voter base.

Moreover, with Trump out of the limelight due to his second impeachment and legal troubles, there is little opportunity for him to mobilize this effort. His past strategy of tweeting and agitating his base with blatant lies would not make a political party viable. The media would likely focus on his legal issues rather than his ambitions for a new party.

Potential Alternatives

It is more likely that Trump will focus on his legal troubles and strategic liquidation of his properties rather than attempting to form a new political party. His assets, particularly those he controls, will need to be managed to fend off liens and judgments. Additionally, he will attempt to capitalize on his ex-presidential status to market merchandise like MAGA caps and t-shirts to his loyal followers. However, his ability to rally support may wane as the days go by.

Another possibility is that Trump will announce his retirement from public life after the 2022 election. Following this announcement, there could be increased reporting on his declining cognitive health, which could be attributed to incipient dementia. This scenario would serve as a fitting end to Trump's political career, isolating him from his allies and supporters.

Conclusion

In conclusion, most Republican talk show hosts would not follow Trump if he started his own political party. Their adherence to him is primarily driven by financial incentives, and forming a new party would require significant effort and sustained effort, which is unlikely given his current situation. Regardless, history will not be kind to Trump, as he will likely be remembered as the worst President ever.