The Warning with Steve Schmidt How MAGA Destroyed The Republican Party | A Conversation with Adam Kinzinger
Nov 1, 2025
In this conversation, Adam Kinzinger, a former U.S. Representative known for his critiques of Trump and insights on national security, dives deep into how MAGA has reshaped the Republican Party. He critiques Trump's trade dealings with China, labeling them a capitulation. Kinzinger highlights the party's purging of traditional Republicans and discusses the urgent need for rebuilding GOP institutions. He also emphasizes the importance of accountability and strategic reform, urging a more responsible use of power within both parties.
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Trump's China Deal Was A Capitulation
- Adam Kinzinger argues Trump's China deal was a capitulation that handed China advantages rather than wins for the U.S.
- He highlights soybean reprisals, AI chip exports, and minimal rare-earth concessions as evidence of a bad bargain.
Mocking The 'Great Deal Maker' Claim
- Kinzinger uses a personal hypothetical about paying Steve to take a deal to lampoon Trump's 'deal-making' claims.
- He mocks the idea that capitulating then declaring a deal equals being a great negotiator.
The Republican Party Has Been Remade
- Kinzinger says the Republican Party has been transformed by Trump and many dissenting conservatives were pushed out.
- He warns rebuilding the party will be a generational fight, not an immediate reset after Trump leaves.
