The 11th Hour with Stephanie Ruhle Are Republicans 'cringing' after Trump's Georgia speech?
Feb 20, 2026
Garrett Graff, historian and journalist who reports on Homeland Security and border agencies, and Peter Baker, chief White House correspondent for The New York Times, join the conversation. They discuss Trump’s Georgia speech and Republican unease. They cover affordability claims, tariffs and market context. Graff also outlines misconduct and reform challenges within ICE and Border Patrol.
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Trump's Georgia Stops Relitigate 2020
- Trump repeatedly uses Georgia stops to relitigate the 2020 election rather than focus on policy promises like affordability.
- Greg Bluestein says this fixation is a through line and risks distracting Republican voters and officials.
Epstein Files Trigger Global Consequences
- The Epstein files have international reach and are prompting investigations and resignations abroad.
- Peter Baker notes many implicated figures face consequences overseas while U.S. accountability remains limited.
Rhetoric Hurts Republican Practical Interests
- Republicans widely cringe when Trump's rhetoric undermines practical party interests like mail-in voting that their voters use.
- Mark Leibovich highlights that Trump's obsession can dissuade supporters from popular voting methods.