By Trendsetter Tribune 
NATIONAL HARBOR, Md. — As the sixth annual Principles First summit concluded on Sunday, February 22, 2026, the “Never Trump” movement finds itself in a precarious position: louder than ever in its warnings, but increasingly isolated from the party it once led. While the rhetoric at the summit was apocalyptic—with speakers describing the GOP as an “authoritarian-embracing cult”—the physical reality of the event suggested a movement struggling for oxygen.
The question of whether anyone is listening depends entirely on which part of the American electorate you examine.
The Current State of Play
The gathering just outside Washington provided a stark visual of the movement’s current standing within the broader Republican landscape.
- The Attendance: The main convention hall was reportedly half empty. Out of several thousand available seats, only about 750 were filled.
- The “Kiss the Ring” Effect: Not a single currently serving Republican elected official participated in the program. This highlights the consolidation of the “MAGA-fied” party, where dissent has largely been driven into retirement or “cowed into silence.”
- The White House Dismissal: Administration spokesperson Abigail Jackson scoffed at the event, labeling the participants a “bunch of deranged has-been politicians” and claiming the only people paying attention were “journalists forced to cover it.”
The “Dire Warnings”: Comparing 2026 to Post-Nazi Germany
The rhetoric at the summit was notably more severe than in previous years, reflecting a sense of urgency ahead of the 2026 midterms.
| Speaker | The Warning / Quote |
| Joe Walsh (Ex-Rep) | Implored critics not to downplay the threat, calling the GOP an “authoritarian-embracing cult.” |
| Mark Hertling (Retired Gen.) | Suggested the U.S. look to the reconstruction of Germany after Nazism as a roadmap for “recovering” the nation’s values. |
| Bill Kristol | Described the President and his allies in Congress as an “existential threat” to the Republic. |
| Chris Christie | Used a media metaphor: “The ratings are going down,” predicting the movement would double in size by next February. |
Is Anyone Listening? The Data Suggests a “Slow Shift”
While the convention hall was quiet, polling suggests the Never Trump message might be resonating with a crucial “exhausted majority” of the electorate.
- The “1 in 4” Rule: Recent AP-NORC polling cited at the summit shows that 25% of Republicans nationwide do not approve of the President’s job performance. This “quiet quarter” is the primary target for Never Trump organizations like the Lincoln Project and Principles First.
- The Independent Exodus: Data from the Brookings Institution (Dec 2025) shows a significant “buyer’s remorse” among the groups that helped the President win in 2024.
- Independents: Approval dropped from 48% to 29%.
- Young Adults (18-29): Approval dropped from 39% to 27%.
- The Midterm Advantage: While the Never Trumpers are “political exiles,” their goal of an “electoral revolt” is gaining traction. Current generic ballot polling gives Democrats a 5.3-point advantage for the 2026 midterms—a nearly 8-point swing since the 2024 election.
The Movement’s Strategy for 2026
Rather than trying to “reclaim” the GOP, the movement has pivoted toward a temporary alliance with the Democratic Party to serve as a “firewall.”
- Rooting for Defeat: Virtually every speaker at the National Harbor summit stated they are rooting for Democratic victories this fall to provide a legislative check on executive power.
- The “Escaping Cults” Table: The summit featured resources on how to “de-program” Trump loyalists, including books and support groups for families divided by MAGA politics.
- Optimism in Exile: Despite the half-empty hall, leaders like Bill Kristol remain optimistic that a House flip in 2026 will be the first step in “restoring the guardrails.”
“Our nation’s institutions have been shaken… the recovery will be something people have to earn over many years.” — Retired Lt. Gen. Mark Hertling, Feb 22, 2026
The Bottom Line
The Never Trump movement in 2026 is no longer a “wing” of the Republican Party; it is a homeless coalition of exiles. While they have lost the battle for the GOP’s soul, they are currently the most influential “swing” factor in the 2026 midterm projections.