In a surprising turn following Donald Trump’s re-election to the White House, former Georgia Lieutenant Governor Geoff Duncan is urging conservatives to approach the next four years with an open mind, despite his past opposition to Trump. Duncan, a vocal critic within his party, now emphasizes the importance of unity and hopes to see the GOP take a renewed direction under Trump’s second term.
A Republican Outlier: Duncan’s Push for Change in the GOP
Geoff Duncan’s journey in the GOP has been unconventional, especially during Trump’s previous term, where Duncan openly criticized the former president’s polarizing style. His outspokenness led him to create GOP 2.0, an organization aimed at reforming the Republican Party from within by focusing on traditional conservative principles over divisive rhetoric. Duncan’s mission to modernize the GOP has often placed him at odds with his own party, especially in Georgia, where loyalty to Trump remains strong.
Duncan’s criticism reached a peak when he endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris during the Democratic National Convention, a bold move he viewed as a necessary step toward challenging Trump’s re-election. Yet, despite this endorsement, Duncan’s loyalty to conservative ideals has kept him in the GOP, working to reshape the party rather than leaving it entirely.
Trump’s Second Term: Duncan’s Call for GOP Cooperation
In the wake of Trump’s recent victory, Duncan is asking conservatives, even those who opposed Trump, to give him a fair chance to lead. Speaking on WABE’s “Morning Edition,” Duncan acknowledged the frustration many Republicans feel but suggested that it’s time for conservatives to set aside personal grievances and focus on what he calls “the bigger picture”—keeping the nation unified.
“Even folks like me, disgruntled Republicans, need to give Donald Trump a chance to show us who he’s going to be in his second term,” Duncan said. This statement underscores Duncan’s desire for Trump to pivot away from the contentious and divisive tactics that marked his first term and instead focus on implementing policies to strengthen the country.
Duncan acknowledges that Trump’s re-election will require some soul-searching within the GOP. “Is he going to follow through with his campaign promises and try to change the direction of America? I disagree with some of those policies, but maybe he knows something I don’t,” he remarked, signaling his willingness to consider the potential benefits of Trump’s vision for America—even if he doesn’t fully agree with it.
An Attempt to Heal a Fractured Party
The former lieutenant governor’s words highlight a deeper concern over the GOP’s unity, particularly in Georgia. Trump’s influence has created clear divides within the party, with many Republicans feeling alienated by the shift in tone and strategy. For Duncan, reuniting the party means bridging these divides by focusing on the GOP’s core principles: fiscal responsibility, personal freedom, and a limited government.
Through GOP 2.0, Duncan hopes to steer the party back to these values. His organization’s mission centers on reducing divisiveness, finding common ground, and presenting a forward-looking vision for the GOP. Duncan is realistic about the challenges of implementing change within a party that remains deeply influenced by Trump’s ideology, but he believes the effort is worth it to ensure a more united future for the GOP.
Balancing Party Loyalty with Personal Beliefs
Duncan’s journey reflects the balancing act many Republicans face today. As a lifelong conservative, he remains committed to his party’s values, yet he has not been afraid to break with the party line. His endorsement of Harris at the DNC was a clear example of this, as he chose to prioritize his desire for change over party loyalty in that moment.
However, Duncan’s call for unity shows his dedication to his party’s success. He acknowledges that there’s no easy solution and that both parties have issues to resolve. Still, he’s hopeful that Trump’s second term will bring a more collaborative approach, and he wants to help foster that spirit within the GOP.
Duncan’s message to his fellow conservatives is simple: America comes first. By putting aside differences and focusing on what unites rather than divides, he believes the GOP can emerge stronger and more aligned with its original values. As Trump begins his second term, Duncan hopes this shift in perspective will resonate with Republicans nationwide, bringing renewed purpose to a party at a crossroads.
