Trump’s Radical Plans Stun Even Republicans, But GOP Falls in Line Amid Fear of Retaliation

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Alex Bollinger
February 10, 2025
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7 minutes read

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A new report reveals that Donald Trump’s latest proposals have not only infuriated Democrats but have also left many Republicans in a state of shock. From a plan to turn Gaza into a luxury resort to the possibility of using military force to take Greenland from a U.S. ally, Trump’s ideas have stunned members of his own party, according to The Washington Post.

“Trump’s ideas and plans — typically unveiled in social media posts or in offhand comments — have triggered anger and disbelief among Democrats, who have vowed to fight ‘illegal’ policies that they say will threaten America’s economy, its national security, and its reputation,” the report states. However, the response from Republicans has been equally telling, with many scrambling to decipher the former president’s intentions.

Initially, GOP lawmakers often react with confusion. According to the report, “some GOP lawmakers seem to first respond by pleading ignorance,” while others attempt to rationalize Trump’s ideas. Senator John Cornyn (R-Texas) provided an example of this when asked about Trump’s Gaza proposal, telling reporters, “I think it’s just a way of starting a dialogue … a conversation starter.”

president donald trump — (Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

Despite their initial hesitation, Republicans often rally behind Trump’s proposals. The Washington Post highlights that after Trump floated ideas such as reclaiming the Panama Canal and seizing Greenland, GOP lawmakers introduced related legislation. This included the Panama Canal Repurchase Act of 2025, a resolution demanding Panama expel Chinese officials, and even a bill titled Make Greenland Great Again.

A key factor behind this shift, according to the report, is the underlying fear of political repercussions. “Overshadowing the race to gather information on Trump’s proposals — and respond accordingly — is an acute awareness among GOP lawmakers that the president and his supporters could exact political revenge [on] anyone who expresses dissent,” the report states.

As Trump continues to shape Republican policy with his unconventional and often controversial ideas, his influence over the party remains undeniable. Whether these proposals translate into actual policy or serve primarily as political messaging tools, their impact on the GOP’s direction is unmistakable.