In a year-end review, NPR analysts examined President Donald Trump's second term, highlighting initial unity in the Republican Party that has since fractured. As 2026 approaches, concerns over policy execution and party divisions loom large ahead of midterm elections. The discussion also touched on Trump's age and potential succession questions.
President Donald Trump entered 2025 with ambitious agendas and a unified Republican Party, but by year's end, fissures in GOP support have emerged, potentially hindering his administration's progress. NPR host Scott Simon spoke with senior contributor Ron Elving on December 27, 2025, reflecting on the year's political landscape and peering into 2026.
Elving noted that Trump's return to power defied norms, following two impeachments and multiple indictments during his first term. This time, the Cabinet and White House staff consist largely of loyal enablers ready to execute Trump's directives without hesitation. However, cracks have appeared over issues like Ukraine aid, economic pressures, and the release of Epstein files.
As midterms near, Elving predicted that vulnerable Republicans might distance themselves from Trump on topics such as health care and food prices, a pattern seen in past midterm cycles. Yet, unexpected events could alter this trend, similar to those in 1998 and 2002. Beyond elected officials, divisions rage among Trump's non-officeholding supporters, including podcasters and influencers, clashing over Israel, Epstein matters, Venezuela, and control of the MAGA narrative.
The administration's approach to the rule of law has drawn scrutiny, with unilateral actions like imposing tariffs, launching deportation efforts, and conducting military strikes without congressional input. Retaliatory measures against political foes and symbolic gestures—such as partially demolishing the White House and rebranding the Kennedy Center and Institute of Peace—signal a push against institutional boundaries.
Looking ahead, attention will intensify on Trump's personal demeanor as he approaches his 80th birthday on June 14, 2026. Post-midterm, discussions of succession within the movement will gain prominence. Elving emphasized that the year will test enforcement of legal limits amid ongoing confrontations.
