Never Trump Republicans Warn of Existential Threat, But Struggle to Find Audience

Diminished group of anti-Trump conservatives gathers at Principles First summit, call for electoral revolt against MAGA movement

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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A group of Republicans, former Republicans, and independents who oppose former President Donald Trump gathered at the Principles First summit just outside Washington, D.C. this past weekend, issuing dire warnings about the threat Trump and his allies pose to American democracy. However, the half-empty convention hall and lack of participation from current GOP elected officials highlighted the diminished influence of the Never Trump movement within the Republican Party.

Why it matters

The Principles First summit represents the remnants of the Never Trump coalition, a group of conservatives who broke from the Republican Party over Trump's authoritarian tendencies and abandonment of traditional GOP values. Their warnings about the threat of Trumpism underscore the deep divisions within the Republican Party, even as Trump's influence appears to be waning among some voters.

The details

Speakers at the summit, including former Congressman Joe Walsh, conservative writer Bill Kristol, and retired General Mark Hertling, described Trump and his Republican allies as an "authoritarian-embracing cult" and an "existential threat" to American democracy. They urged attendees to support Democratic victories in the upcoming midterm elections as a way to counter the MAGA movement. However, the sparse attendance, with only about 750 chairs set up in a room that could fit thousands, and the absence of any current GOP elected officials, highlighted the diminished influence of the Never Trump faction.

  • The Principles First summit took place on February 23-24, 2026.
  • The 2026 midterm elections, which the Never Trump Republicans hope will deliver victories for Democrats, are scheduled for November 2026.

The players

Joe Walsh

A former Republican Congressman who described Trump's Republican Party as an "authoritarian-embracing cult" and a "threat to everything I love."

Bill Kristol

A conservative writer and former Republican operative who worked in previous GOP administrations, and who described Trump and his Republican supporters in Congress as "an existential threat" to the nation.

Mark Hertling

A retired U.S. Army general who commanded the Army's European forces, and who said he is "haunted" by allies asking him "whether American institutions ever can be trusted again" due to the damage caused by Trump and his allies.

Brittany Martinez

The executive director of the Principles First organization, who expressed hope that more Republicans will "wake up" and reject the MAGA movement.

Abigail Jackson

A White House spokesperson who dismissed the Principles First summit attendees as a "bunch of deranged has-been politicians" whose event will only be covered by journalists "forced to" do so.

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What they’re saying

“He's everything our founders feared. Say it. Believe it.”

— Joe Walsh, Former Republican Congressman (Principles First summit)

“Our nation's institutions have been shaken. Our alliances have been strained. Our credibility has been damaged. And our nation's values have been cast aside.”

— Mark Hertling, Retired U.S. Army General (Principles First summit)

“Trump and his Republican supporters in Congress are 'an existential threat' to the nation.”

— Bill Kristol, Conservative writer and former Republican operative (Principles First summit)

What’s next

The Never Trump Republicans are hoping that Democratic victories in the 2026 midterm elections will help counter the influence of the MAGA movement within the Republican Party. They also believe that if current GOP elected officials continue to lose support, the Principles First group could grow in size and influence by the time of the 2028 presidential election.

The takeaway

The Principles First summit highlights the deep divisions within the Republican Party, as a diminished group of conservatives who oppose former President Trump's authoritarian tendencies struggle to find an audience for their dire warnings about the threat of Trumpism. While their influence appears limited for now, they believe the tide could turn against the MAGA movement in the coming years if Democrats can make gains in future elections.