Left, Right & Center Is President Trump losing his grip on the Republican Party?
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Dec 19, 2025 
Mo Elleithee, Executive Director at Georgetown’s Institute of Politics, and Mike Dupke, a seasoned GOP strategist, dive into the shifting dynamics within the Republican Party. They discuss the failed healthcare legislation and the delicate balance of moderates and leadership amid growing voter identity changes. With polling showing a decline in MAGA dominance, they ponder Trump's waning influence and his ability to rally voters for the midterms. The panel also tackles why comprehensive reforms often stall and the fading urgency around the national debt.
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Subsidies Signal Need For Broader Reform
- Mike Dupke argues subsidies exist because the ACA needs them and reform requires a broad compromise.
- He proposes a moratorium on future subsidies to force long-term negotiation rather than perpetual short-term fixes.
HSAs Favor The Wealthy, Not Everyone
- Mo Elleithee contends HSAs mainly benefit wealthier people and don't address rising deductibles for working families.
- He blames Republicans for focusing on repeal rhetoric without credible replacement plans for 15 years.
Incentives, Not Ideas, Stall Big Reforms
- Both guests say political incentives discourage lawmakers from tackling big issues like health care and immigration.
- Without clear incentives, members avoid heavy legislative lifts despite public desire for solutions.