As alarming as the actions of President Donald Trump have been, writes USA Todayopinion columnist Dave Potas, what comes after Trump is even more concerning as "the battle for control of MAGA will shift into full gear."
"Those who love what makes America truly great should be as alarmed as I am," Potas writes, adding that "the American right is no longer primarily conservative."
And whereas during Trump's first term he was "held in check to some extent" by Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and "other establishment conservatives," since then and the beginning of his second term, "Republicans built their offense around Trump himself, with no plan for succession," he writes.
Plans for a post-Trump GOP and a "new right" include a 'lust for political power," Potas says, with various movements having one thing in common.
"They all sacrifice America’s founding principles for a rationale that can be shaped to mean whatever those in power want it to," he explains.
"This is the coalition that forms the new right. All of these intellectual movements are somewhat integrated into the MAGA movement, and surely all of them view Trump as someone who can be used to usher in their own particular flavor of illiberal governance," he adds.
Actual conservatives are being pushed out by this coalition, he writes, pointing to right-wing think tank The Heritage Foundation " reaching a recent crescendo through its defense of former Fox News host Tucker Carlson, who has caused cracks in the MAGA base over his platforming of self-described neo-Nazi MAGA influencer Nick Fuentes.
"Illiberal ideologies are not simply having their moment in the intellectual circles of the right. This coalition is growing roots within positions of power and storied right-wing institutions," Potas writes.
Vice President JD Vance, the presumed heir to the MAGA throne, he says, "is both the figurehead of these various factions."
And while some on the right have been critical of Trump in terms of his support of Israel and H-1B visas, Potas expects Vance to "orient his 2028 presidential campaign around this new right model," in his quest to take over the "populist right," while other conservatives try to emulate Trump.
Whatever happens, Potas is concerned.
"The new right seems certain to have its moment, at least in the primary for 2028. I hope I’m wrong, because the free-market system has led to a period of prosperity," he writes.
"Regression to the flaws of more repressive nations and times would be a grave mistake. We'll find out which side wins once Trump leaves office," he concludes.