Donald Trump didn’t just reshape the Republican Party — he bulldozed his way through it.
Loyalty became currency, and anyone who stepped out of line got steamrollered.
Now, will Trump grab a third term? Polymarket thinks it’s unlikely (6%). Maybe that’s for the betterment of those who’ve been in his crosshairs.
Here are 10 Republicans who learned the hard way what happens when you cross Trump.
Liz Cheney — The Fall of a Dynasty
Once GOP royalty, Cheney dared to challenge Trump over Jan. 6 — and paid the price. She lost her leadership role, her seat, and became a symbol of post-Trump Republican exile.
Mitt Romney — The Lone Vote
Romney stood nearly alone in voting to convict Trump — twice. In return, Trump labeled him a traitor, and Utah’s right wing never forgave the former nominee.
Mike Pence — The Loyalist Who Wouldn’t Break the Law
For four years, Pence was the model VP. But when he refused to block Biden’s certification on Jan. 6, Trump turned on him — and so did much of MAGA.
Ron De Santis — From Protégé to Punching Bag
Trump helped make De Santis a national figure. But when DeSantis ran in 2024, Trump went scorched-earth — mocking his personality, policies, and polling.
Mitch McConnell — Silent Until He Wasn’t
McConnell bit his tongue for most of Trump’s term. But after Jan. 6, he finally condemned him — prompting a full-on barrage from Trump, who branded him an “old crow.”
Chris Christie — From Insider to Outcast
Christie was on Trump’s 2016 team but broke ranks post-presidency. In 2024, he became one of Trump’s most vocal critics — and Trump mocked him relentlessly.
Brian Kemp — Trump’s Georgia Grudge
Kemp certified Biden’s win in Georgia. Trump responded by endorsing a primary challenger and launching a nonstop campaign of insults. Kemp still won.
Brad Raffensperger — “Find Me 11,780 Votes”
Georgia’s Secretary of State refused to “find” votes for Trump after 2020. Trump tried to end his career — Raffensperger got death threats but stood firm.
Paul Ryan — The Vanishing Act
Ryan ducked out of Congress early in Trump’s presidency. He’s since criticized Trump from the sidelines — and Trump returned fire, calling him a “RINO loser.”
John McCain — A Grudge Beyond the Grave
Trump never forgave McCain for voting against repealing Obamacare. He mocked the war hero’s capture, clashed with him until his death, and even insulted him afterward.
