As Trump’s grip tightens, the political center thins out

Published July 13, 2025 7:00am ET



President Donald Trump’s grip on the GOP is eroding the party’s ideological center, as many lawmakers conclude there’s little room left for compromise — or for them.

Among the latest to bow out are Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC) and Rep. Don Bacon (R-NE), two Republicans known for bipartisan deal-making, whose departures highlight the mounting pressure facing centrists in a party increasingly defined by loyalty to Trump.

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