THE REPUBLICAN PARTY IN NAME ONLY Why Intraparty Conflict Led Republicans in Congress to Shift from Ideology to Loyalty

Abstract

The transformation of the Republican Party (GOP) since Donald Trump’s election as U.S. President in 2016 reflects a wide shift in its structure. A particularly significant shift has occurred structurally among the factions in the House of Representatives, transitioning from ideology to a structure increasingly centered on loyalty to Trump. While existing research has focused on Trump, this thesis offers a new perspective by examining the motivations of Republican politicians for this transformation. This thesis employs a qualitative methodology using informant interviews with three Republican legislators. By applying cartel theory in an intra-party context, the thesis explores how political survival necessitates adaptation within a party defined by Trump’s dominance. The findings of this thesis reveal a profound realignment of Republican political factions. Informants describe a shift from ideology-driven factions to factions defined by position toward Trump. This transformation, driven by both voter mandates and Trump’s influence, reflects a dual dynamic: an electoral demand for change and a top-down imposition of Trump’s agenda, characterized by loyalty or retribution. The results highlight how loyalty to Trump has overshadowed ideological commitments, fundamentally reshaping political behavior within the GOP. Simultaneously, Republicans increasingly regard Trump, in a distinctly populist manner, as the true embodiment of the people's will and the Republican Party itself. This thesis contributes to understanding the transformation of the Republican Party’s political factions through the interplay between Trump’s leadership and voter influence, revealing how fear of losing power drives legislators to increasingly abandon ideology.