Discussions surrounding "GOP tyranny" used to involve critiques by political scientists, journalists, and Democratic opponents who argue that the Republican Party enables authoritarianism, subverts democratic institutions, and imposes the will of a political minority on the majority. Not any longer.
Why are some Republicans using words like “tyranny” or “authoritarian” to describe theier own GOP Party?
- They believe efforts to overturn or reject certified election results crossed a democratic red line.
- They point to pressure on Republican officials to stay loyal to Trump personally rather than to institutions or constitutional procedures.
- They argue the party increasingly punishes internal dissent — for example, Cheney herself lost her House leadership role after criticizing Trump.
- Critics also point to rhetoric around using government power aggressively against opponents, the media, universities, or corporations.
- Attempts to challenge the 2020 election outcome and pressure state officials were anti-democratic.
- Concentrating power around one leader and demanding party loyalty resembles authoritarian politics.
- Some rhetoric in the party has become hostile toward checks and balances
In practice, this debate is really about whether Trump-era populism represents a normal hardline political movement or something more dangerous to democratic norms. Even within the Republican Party, there’s been a visible split between traditional conservatives and the extreme MAGA wing.
Meanwhile, the leader of the Republican Party’s approval rating has hit its lowest level ever recorded in either of his White House terms, according to a new poll.
A new survey from American Research Group, conducted in mid-May 2026, found 31 percent of Americans approve of the way Trump is handling his job, while 64 percent disapprove—his weakest showing across both terms in office.
Key Points
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A large majority of Americans believe the economy is worsening and expect further decline, according to the poll
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Net approval has deteriorated sharply from -6 in March 2025 to -34 in May 2026
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Economic ratings are weaker still, with just 29 percent approving and 67 percent disapproving
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Independent voters remain strongly negative, with just 25 percent approval
