As Donald Trump gears up for what he calls a second term, his main aim appears to be retribution.

Whether it concerns election officials he alleges sabotaged the 2020 election or others who held him responsible for misinformation surrounding it, Trump openly vows to make his adversaries pay, often in a criminal context.

It would be prudent for Republicans to redirect their priorities, or they risk overly committing to Trump’s pursuit of revenge – a misstep that has plagued them for the last eight years. Voters chose Trump because of rising grocery prices, not for casting Liz Cheney from the Republican party.

Trump’s Grievances Are Not the GOP’s Focus

While I share concerns about how Trump has been treated by Democrats and certain media outlets, his long-standing rhetoric about seeking criminal action against those he feels wronged by lacks clarity and justification. Many of his accusations reach those involved in governmental actions, such as the inquiry into the Jan. 6 Capitol riot, towards individuals who haven’t committed any clear wrongdoing.

Such threats only heighten concerns that Trump might misuse the Department of Justice to pursue personal vendettas without substantive grounds.

While proclaiming a revenge agenda, Trump has not alleviated these worries. He has placed staunch loyalists in important positions within the DOJ, including his pick for FBI director, Kash Patel, who has openly vowed to “target” individuals he claims aided media bias in favor of Joe Biden during the 2020 election.

If Republicans genuinely feel Democrats are wrongfully targeting Trump legally, continuing this cycle of vengeance will further deteriorate political norms. Sometimes, showing integrity in politics can prevent a downward spiral.

Instead of retaliatory actions, the GOP should prioritize creating safeguards against unjust investigations, rather than perpetuating them.

The relentless push for retribution by Trump’s inner circle stems solely from their loyalty to him. Republicans should not endorse candidates whose primary attribute is their allegiance to Trump over conservative values.

The GOP should refrain from participating in Trump’s personal quest for vengeance, especially when it comes at the detriment of the American people.

For True Long-Term Success, Republicans Must Counter Trump

The GOP’s reputation depends on its ability to temper Trump’s thirst for retribution. If the party dedicates the next four years solely to avenging Trump’s foes, it will struggle to convince voters of its capability to govern responsibly.

Fulfilling campaign promises—such as boosting the economy, addressing the illegal immigration crisis, and restoring American foreign relations—are crucial for GOP success in the upcoming elections of 2026 and 2028. Above all, it’s essential for Republicans to present themselves as the responsible leaders by minimizing internal conflicts and not indulging in Trump’s distractions.

The Republicans’ defeat in 2020 was partly due to a decline in public trust regarding their ability to effectively govern the country. Joe Biden didn’t win that election purely on his own strengths; the GOP played a significant role in his victory.

This time around, the GOP must avoid repeating that error. Focusing on Trump’s personal grievances is a distraction. Winning elections is not about congressional inquiries or trying to prosecute political rivals; it’s about demonstrating capable governance. If the Republicans rally completely behind Trump, it may pave an easier road for Democrats to win.

The Republican Party should prioritize how to enhance the nation’s wellbeing instead of wasting the next four years on Trump’s distractions. Since Trump can’t run again in 2028 due to term limits, the GOP should start acting as if that is the case. A party that revolves solely around one individual is unlikely to thrive in the long term.