If you thought the election of Democratic President Joe Biden at long last spelled the end of former Republican President Donald Trump, think again—his era is far from over.
That's what Republican Senator Mitt Romney predicted, anyway, in an interview with The New York Times on Tuesday.
The Utah Senator gave a grim prediction for his party in 2024 that seems all too plausible, not to mention ominous.
As Romney, told the Times, Trump's term may be over, but his hold on the party is anything but.
"He has, by far, the largest voice and a big impact in my party... Will President Trump continue to play a role in my party? I'm sure he will."
The Senator clarified that he did not know what Trump's plans are for 2024, if any.
But he made clear that we should not be taking for granted that we're done with the former President.
Echoing the suspicions of many, Romney offered a grim prediction.
"I don't know if he'll run in 2024 or not, but if he does, I'm pretty sure he will win the nomination."
Of course, 2024 is a long way off in political terms.
Anecdotally, there is plenty to indicate that Trump still holds substantive sway over Republican Party. Most of its most prominent voices have continued to stick by the former President even after he left Washington in infamy and scandal.
And those who have been willing to publicly speak out against Trump have shown that their distaste is relatively toothless. Washington's top Republican, for example, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, has forcefully condemned Trump's role in the January 6 coup attempt at the Capitol, but still voted to acquit him in his second impeachment trial earlier this month.
Even more grim, according to Romney, is what the hard data says.
According to polling Romney has seen pertaining to the 2024 Republican nomination:
Though not everyone was worried.
Romney also told the Times if Trump does end up the 2024 nominee, he will not have Romney's vote.
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Dunning-Kruger Times