Trump and the GOP, 2015–2018
The Weekly Standard was one of the few conservative publications to oppose Donald Trump's candidacy from the beginning and to maintain that opposition through his presidency. This collection documents the magazine's argument — not from the left, but from within conservatism — that Trump represented a departure from the principles the right had long professed.
9 articles
- 1
Up from Trumpism
William Kristol September 7, 2015Kristol's early argument that Trumpism is a dead end for conservatism — written when Trump was still considered a sideshow.
- 2
What Will the Nixon-Reagan-Bush Republicans Do?
William Kristol November 27, 2015As Trump's path to the nomination clarified, Kristol asks whether the GOP's traditional wing would stand firm.
- 3
Neither Trump Nor Hillary
William Kristol January 15, 2016The case for a third option — published as Trump locked up the nomination.
- 4
Against Trump Fatalism
William Kristol February 24, 2016Arguing that accepting Trump as inevitable is a choice, not a necessity.
- 5
Voices Against Trump
William Kristol February 29, 2016A roundup of conservative voices resisting the Trump nomination.
- 6
The Trump Captivity of the GOP
William Kristol July 19, 2016Kristol's assessment after the Cleveland convention: the party has been taken over, not converted.
- 7
Neither Clinton Nor Trump
William Kristol May 6, 2016The magazine's formal position: neither major-party nominee deserves support.
- 8
Ohio Republican: I Won't Give In To the 'Cult of Trump'
William Kristol August 13, 2016A grassroots conservative explains his refusal to fall in line.
- 9
Putin's Party?
William Kristol July 24, 2016Kristol connects Trump's deference to Putin with a broader abandonment of American foreign policy principles.