The Republican Party has been significantly transformed by Trump’s use of intimidation strategies.

In this piece, we explore the political fallout faced by U.S. Congressman Tom Rice after he voted to impeach former President Donald Trump for his role in the January 2021 Capitol riot. This decision marked the beginning of the end for Rice’s political career, as he faced a barrage of angry calls, emails, and even death threats. During his campaign for a sixth term, he was often accompanied by a sheriff’s deputy for protection. Trump endorsed Rice’s opponent in the primary, accusing Rice of betraying the Republican Party and the country. Consequently, Rice lost the primary and now feels abandoned by his former allies, who he believes prioritized their power over their constitutional duties.

Trump’s influence has reshaped the Republican Party, demanding loyalty to his “Make America Great Again” agenda and purging those who oppose him. Since launching his Truth Social platform in early 2022, Trump has attacked over 100 fellow Republicans, including Georgia Governor Brian Kemp, whom he criticized for not helping to overturn the 2020 election results. Trump’s endorsement has become a powerful tool to oust disloyal members, with many of his endorsed challengers winning their races.

The article highlights the broader impact of Trump’s tactics, noting that many Republicans who opposed him have faced threats and harassment. For instance, Texas legislator Glenn Rogers was targeted after voting to impeach the state’s attorney general, a Trump ally. Similarly, Nebraska Congressman Don Bacon and former Michigan Congressman Fred Upton received threats after opposing Trump. The fear of political violence and career suicide has led many Republicans to fall in line with Trump.

Despite the risks, some political experts argue that Trump’s attacks on fellow Republicans could backfire, especially in tight races where he needs moderate Republican support. In Arizona, for example, Vice President Kamala Harris has gained a lead over Trump among independent and unaffiliated voters.

The article also delves into the personal experiences of Republicans like Matt Fogal, a former district attorney in Pennsylvania, who faced backlash from his community after publicly breaking with Trump. Fogal’s story illustrates the deep divisions within the Republican Party and the intense loyalty some supporters have for Trump.

Overall, the piece paints a picture of a Republican Party transformed by Trump’s influence, where loyalty to the former president is paramount, and dissent is met with severe consequences.