A group of former Republican officials considering a new center-right political party to counter former U.S. President Donald Trump's influence would face steep challenges in shaking up a U.S. political system that has favored two-party rule throughout its history.
On Wednesday, more than 120 Republicans — including former elected officials, along with former administrators under Trump and former Presidents Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush and George W. Bush — met virtually on Feb. 5 to discuss forming a third party or a new center-right faction.
Two of the most prominent anti-Trump Republicans in Congress — Rep. Liz Cheney of Wyoming and Rep. Adam Kinzinger of Illinois — rejected the idea of a breakaway party in statements to Reuters on Thursday. Other Republican critics of Trump expressed similar skepticism — arguing a third party would accomplish little beyond splitting the votes of conservatives and helping Democrats get elected.