On a recent podcast with Andrew Sullivan, writer Kevin Williamson warned against the modern pitfalls of populism. “I don’t trust Americans with freedom as much as I used to,” Williamson admitted. “I don’t assume that they will do good things with it, but I trust them even less with political power than I used to. So, I don’t really want a stronger government.”

Williamson’s skepticism feels particularly cogent today. Following another disastrous proclamation that the conflict with Iran has ended and the controversial U.S.-Iran memorandum of understanding, President Donald Trump’s approval rating sits at a dismal 37%. With Vice President JD Vance drawing a mere 41% approval, a critical question looms: What is the future of the Republican Party?