Mitt Romney Reflects on Trump’s Rise and Democrats’ Challenges in Wide-Ranging Exit Interview

The retiring Utah senator criticizes both parties, credits Trump for reshaping the GOP, and predicts a recalibration in U.S. politics.

Mitt Romney, in an interview with CNN, emphasized that Donald Trump and the MAGA movement now define the Republican Party, despite his own longstanding criticism of Trump’s character.
Romney credited Trump with transforming the GOP into the party of working-class voters, while criticizing Democrats for losing their traditional base due to progressive policies and cultural shifts.
The outgoing senator predicted a political recalibration for both parties, suggesting that Democrats face significant challenges in regaining support from working- and middle-class voters.
Romney expressed concerns about the legacy of the January 6 Capitol attack, calling it a dark chapter in American history, but said he believes U.S. institutions will ultimately endure.
Looking ahead, Romney praised Vice President-elect JD Vance as a likely GOP frontrunner for 2028 and reflected on his own legacy as a politician who stood by his principles.