(AP) — Former President Donald Trump’s loosely organized political network is testing its grasp on the Republican Party ahead of his Senate impeachment trial.
Trump is making clear that he intends to remain a dominant force in GOP politics for the foreseeable future. A week after leaving the White House in disgrace, the former president has taken modest steps to inject himself in the political debate and raise the prospect of political retribution for those who crossed him.
Trump’s involvement in national politics so soon after his departure marks a dramatic break from past presidents, who typically leave the spotlight, at least temporarily.