Special counsel Robert Mueller's investigation into alleged Russian connections to President Donald Trump's campaign and Monday's indictments will not cause Trump's supporters to turn against him, according to National Review senior writer David French, writing Monday in The New York Times.
"Mr. Trump's supporters will stand by their man. After all, they've stood by him through worse, through events and allegations that implicate Trump himself," French wrote.
The Republican base would never accept some of Trump's conduct if it were committed by a Democratic president, French said, calling that an "unfortunate truth."
"The interesting question isn't whether so many Republicans are demonstrating a striking degree of hypocrisy, but why?"
The columnist said Trump could not be compared to previous Republican presidents. "No modern Republican president or nominee has been perfect, by any means, but no one can fairly compare their conduct and character to Donald Trump… there were clear lines of civility and propriety they would not cross."
Those who favor one party now are motivated by anger at the opposing party, according to French. "This phenomenon explains why reluctant Republicans would pull the lever for Mr. Trump even if he was their 'last choice.' They were voting in perceived self-defense."
The phrases "fake news" and "the other side is worse" provide cover for Trump supporters, as "this week's news can be waved away," French wrote.
"Rage and fear overwhelm, and the desire for goodness recedes," he wrote. "In some cases, the actions of the president are deemed less significant than the outrages of celebrities and comedians. Sure, Mr. Trump tweeted, but did you see that Kathy Griffin beheading picture?"
"There is so little humility. There is so much anger. And the Republican character corrodes," French wrote.
Trump's popularity hit 33 percent, an all-time low in a Monday's daily tracking poll from Gallup.
© 2025 Newsmax. All rights reserved.