Exclusive: There Are Still Non-MAGA Republicans, But Any Influence Will Be Exerted Behind Closed Doors, Experts Argue

As President-elect Donald Trump prepares to enter the White House and with Republicans also controlling Congress, he is expected to have overwhelming influence over the country's direction, given the fierce loyalty that most of the party professes to him.

However, there may be some pockets of internal resistance, however mild it may be. The Latin Times consulted political experts who suggested that there are non-MAGA lawmakers, but they are unlikely to publicly present a real challenge to aspects of Trump's agenda they disagree with due to "fear." However, they did mention there will be ways for Trump to be challenged and few lawmakers who could make a difference due to the GOP's slim majority in Congress.

Michael Montgomery, former U.S. diplomat and lecturer at the University of Michigan, cited the fear of being 'primaried'–a tactic used by political parties to block the reelection of candidates they oppose–as a "powerful factor holding GOP members publicly in-line."

When asked if there were enough Republicans willing to challenge Trump's agenda, Montgomery responded, "Few - possibly no - Republican members of Congress are likely to publicly challenge Trump."

The former U.S. diplomat, however, suggested that former Congressman Matt Gaetz's recent withdrawal from consideration for Trump's Attorney General nomination may have been influenced by internal GOP opposition. Gaetz faced several criminal allegations, including sexual assault and drug use.

"I suspect that enough GOP Senators were forthcoming about their objections in private to stop the Matt Gaetz nomination–before it reached the stage," Montgomery said. "There - in private - is where I suspect non-MAGA Republican members will employ any influence they might still have to push for moderation."

Adding to the conversation, political scientist and author Dr. Donald Nieman remarked: "The balance of power has been drastically weakened. Not just because Republicans control everything, but because Trump has established an iron grip on the party–the vast majority of Republicans in Congress are either Trump acolytes or are afraid of him."

It is no secret that Trump values and demands loyalty—a principle he openly prioritized during his presidency. "I value loyalty above everything else—more than brains, more than drive, and more than energy," Trump wrote in one of his books.

His emphasis on loyalty was publicly disclosed during James Comey's tenure as FBI Director. Trump reportedly sought a pledge of allegiance from Comey during a private White House dinner. Comey later testified to Congress that he declined to make such a promise, a decision some believe played a crucial role in his dismissal.

One of the most striking examples of the consequences of defying Donald Trump is his nonexistent relationship with former Vice President Mike Pence. Trump reportedly cut ties with Pence after he publicly condemned the January 6 Capitol riot and certified Joe Biden's victory as President. The two Republican leaders did not cross paths again until nearly four years later, at Jimmy Carter's recent funeral.

Nieman further highlighted Iowa Senator Joni Ernst's likely vote in favor of Pete Hegseth's nomination as Secretary of Defense. "Joni Ernst knows that Pete Hegseth is unqualified in every way to serve as Secretary of Defense. But she's voting for him because she's afraid of being primaried," Nieman said.

However, the political scientist named a few Republican senators who might "stand up to Trump," including Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, Susan Collins of Maine, Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, and John Curtis of Utah.

In the House, he suggested representatives from hotly contested districts in New York and California may challenge Trump "from time to time," adding that non-MAGA Republicans "will pick their fights, and they will be few and far between."

Furthermore, Nieman noted that while checks on presidential power are "much weaker," the judicial branch could act as a counterbalance, despite its conservative majority.

"There are libertarian conservatives on the Supreme Court who would nix threats to civil liberties. And two conservative members—Chief Justice Roberts and Justice Barrett—have shown that they fear damage to the Court's reputation by reflexively caving to Trump," he added.

Former Deputy Cabinet Secretary for the State of California Jeff Le suggested that ongoing Cabinet confirmation hearings could serve as an immediate test of Republican loyalty to Trump. "Trump put forward nominees who have elevated a number of concerns," he told the Latin Times. "While there have been rumblings from private meetings with senators—these nominees will likely not lose more than four Republican votes."

As of Thursday, Trump's cabinet picks are rapidly gaining support for confirmation, per the Associated Press. However, more controversial picks, including Tulsi Gabbard and Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., have yet to face public questioning by senators.

Looking ahead, Montgomery said the biggest check on Republican control will be the 2026 midterm elections. The President's party almost always loses the House or Senate during midterms, he noted. "It wouldn't take much Republican overreach to get voters exercised enough to shift control of the House, which is currently 220 to 215 favoring the GOP."

Montgomery also highlighted that in 2024, Senate Democrats and Independents had to defend 23 seats, "making a shift to Republican control pretty much inevitable." In 2026, the Republican party will need to defend 20 seats to keep their majority. A scenario that, according to the political expert, could result in a Senate majority shift.