Overview

• Flake says his 2017 warning about a partisan “fever” demanding unwavering loyalty to President Trump has only sharpened, divorcing political allegiance from stable policy principles.
• He praised North Carolina Senator Thom Tillis for refusing to betray his convictions under primary pressure and warned that losing such moderates weakens conservatism.
• He contrasts the current GOP, where deviation is treated as apostasy, with past administrations that tolerated independent judgment.
• He cautions that doing nothing ensures the fever will persist and allows the loudest voices to drown out responsible governance.
• Flake outlines three paths for GOP lawmakers: uphold principles within the party, break away as independents, or step aside to advocate for decency, truth and constitutional balance outside Congress.