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About three dozen erstwhile advisers toDonald Trumpreportedly held a conference call last week to strategize ways to, they say, hinder the former president’s political influence in this year’s midterm elections and the 2024 race for the White House, which is almost certain to feature Trump.
Former White House press secretary andtell-all author Stephanie Grishamfirstspoke about the groupof never-againTrumpers on the anniversary of Jan. 6 but was not on the call last Monday because she was sick with COVID-19, according to a CNN story published Tuesday.
Ex-Trump Chief of StaffJohn Kellyas well as ex-Communications DirectorsAlyssa FarahandAnthony Scaramucciand formerMike PenceaidOlivia Troyewere on the call, according to the network.
Former Department of Homeland Security Chief of Staff Miles Taylor, who wrote an anonymous op-ed for theNew York Timesheadlined"I Am Part of the Resistance Inside the Trump Administration"in 2018, reportedly helped lead the call.
Taylor told CNN the group was “overflowing with ideas” on how to be effective, emphasizing the desire to go beyond anti-Trump messaging.
Bill O’Leary/The Washington Post via Getty Images; Instagram
The former president, who remains robustly popular with the Republican base, has backed amultitude of candidatessince leaving office in gubernatorial, Senate and House races across the country.
Without a name, official membership or even specific goals, the group is still in its infancy and it remains unclear if a cohesive strategy will solidify.
Trump has dismissed other such conservative movements against him as opportunistic and out of touch.
“We’re still trying to figure out what it is” one participant told CNN.
The attendees reportedly have a diversity of political backgrounds and points of view — as well and perhaps a simmering rivalry or two — though they all share an aversion to the man they once served.
There is “something powerful about the fact that not everyone on this call was friends,” Troye said. “Whatever history there has been, they put that aside.”
The group, CNN reports, may hold another call this week.
source: people.com
