‘Lame‑Duck’ Trump? November Setbacks Signal an Eroding Grip on the GOP

Experts Say November Losses Are Weakening Trump's Hold on the GOP

Melissa Murray, a professor of law at NYU, and political analyst Sam Stein joined commentator Nicolle Wallace on air to assess Donald Trump's standing within the Republican Party. They argued that a series of political setbacks in November has accelerated perceptions that Trump may be turning into a lame‑duck figure sooner than many expected.

Both guests suggested these defeats — electoral, strategic, or reputational — have chipped away at the influence Trump has exercised over the GOP for nearly a decade. They described a pattern in which Republican leaders and voters increasingly weigh their own calculations rather than following Trump's cues automatically.

What the panelists highlighted

• Perception shift: November's setbacks, they said, have made the idea of Trump as a diminished leader more salient.
• Impact on party cohesion: The guests warned that ongoing losses could reduce his ability to steer endorsements, messaging, and party strategy.
• Political consequences: If the trend continues, they argued, Trump's leverage over policy priorities and candidate selection could decline.

"A string of setbacks can change behavior fast — allies reassess, rivals sense opportunity, and the broader party starts to move differently," the panelists observed.

While neither panelist claimed Trump's influence is gone, both emphasized the importance of recent events in altering expectations about his role. The conversation framed November as a turning point that could reshape Republican dynamics in the months ahead.

Takeaway: Observers should watch whether November's pattern persists — sustained losses would likely deepen perceptions of a weakened Trump and could prompt broader shifts in GOP leadership and strategy.