Conservative Writer Warns GOP of ‘Political Suicide’ in Backing Controversial Trump Picks

As President-elect Donald Trump prepares to take office, conservative writer Noah Rothman has a message for the Republican Party: proceed with caution. In a recent piece for National Review, Rothman urged GOP lawmakers to carefully consider their long-term interests and the country’s well-being before supporting Trump’s contentious nominations.

Rothman’s words come at a pivotal moment for Republicans, who must navigate the demands of their party’s base while ensuring they don’t fall victim to Trump’s bold, and sometimes polarizing choices. Rothman’s article is a stark warning against blind loyalty, emphasizing the need for GOP senators to think critically about the president-elect’s selections. Trump’s nomination of Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) for attorney general, for example, has raised eyebrows, with many viewing it as an unusual choice for the nation’s top law enforcement role.

Rothman cautioned against a rushed confirmation, noting, “In the strictest constitutional terms, Trump does not, in fact, ‘run the show’ in the upper chamber of Congress.” He added, “Even if the legislative GOP is eager to defer to the will of the voters and give Trump carte blanche to do as he pleases, there’s a difference between being eager and being politically suicidal.”

But Gaetz isn’t the only nominee stirring concerns. Trump has also expressed interest in appointing former Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (R-HI) as director of national intelligence and Fox News personality Pete Hegseth as secretary of defense. For Rothman, these appointments illustrate Trump’s unconventional approach, which might appeal to his base but could strain relationships within the GOP.

“When it comes to saving Trump from his worst instincts,” Rothman admitted, “the GOP only has so much bandwidth.” He suggested that Republicans will have to “pick their battles” carefully, noting that bowing to Trump’s every whim could backfire. “Bowing down to the incoming president’s whims will do him, themselves, their party, and the country no favors,” Rothman warned.

Instead, he argued, the Senate should insist on thorough vetting for Trump’s appointees, especially Gaetz, to ensure they are prepared for the responsibilities that come with high office. Rothman called for “an act of essential political hygiene” to uncover any potential red flags, which he believes could protect both Trump and the GOP in the long run.

Rothman’s piece also touched on the broader state of American politics, reminding readers that the country remains ideologically divided. With such a thin margin between ideological camps, Rothman argued, Republicans would be wise not to “let the sycophants in [Trump’s] orbit, for whom no Trump idea is a bad idea,” set the course for the party.

Instead, Rothman urged GOP senators to embrace “boring institutionalism,” a more traditional approach that respects the structures and responsibilities of government. “GOP senators would be wise to lean into that boring institutionalism, even if it makes them a foil for Trump’s biggest boosters,” he wrote, suggesting that maintaining a degree of independence and oversight could be critical to the party’s long-term success.

Rothman warned that failure to exercise caution could spell trouble for both Trump and the GOP, stating, “The alternative is failure — his and theirs alike.” Rothman’s message is clear: in a time of bold promises and ambitious plans, the Republican Party must balance loyalty with pragmatism. As Trump’s presidency approaches, the GOP faces a choice between fervent support and cautious oversight. For Rothman, only one path avoids the “politically suicidal” pitfalls of blind loyalty, preserving the party’s strength and integrity in the process.