The outcome of this week's midterm elections has surprised many: The predicted "red wave" didn't materialize. The reason seems to be Donald Trump's continued influence over the GOP. Many Trump-backed candidates underperformed, and Trump's endorsement was a liability rather than an asset in the closest races. Such an unimpressive showing means that, should Trump decide to run for president in 2024, he may do so without the backing of the Republican Party, especially if the Democrats' relative success means Biden will run again. The former president's grip on the GOP may finally be loosening.
