Dedicated Republicans believe it is high time for a much-needed transformation within the GOP. Recent events, including former US President Donald Trump’s CNN town hall event last week, have only reinforced their conviction that, if he were to win again, his presidency would merely serve as an extension of his previous term. It is incumbent upon them, as Republicans, to recognize the urgency of nourishing a new generation of young and charismatic politicians who can bring about the change the party needs to propel it forward. While some conservatives view Trump’s return to the political spotlight as a welcome resurgence of Republican ideals, Americans need to contemplate the long-term consequences of perpetuating the same narrative. The town hall event provided a stark reminder that, if reelected, his presidency would likely replicate his previous tenure. While his ardent supporters may champion this consistency, evaluating whether it aligns with the party’s evolving needs and US society’s changing dynamics is essential. Every president on this planet makes mistakes and learns valuable lessons from being wrong. Republicans do have legitimacy for their deep concerns; the former president has not learned anything from his mistakes in some critical internal policies. To ensure the GOP’s continued relevance and success, conservatives must acknowledge that clinging to the past and placing undue emphasis on Trump’s rhetoric and policies risks alienating potential supporters who are seeking a more inclusive and forward-thinking conservative movement. They must prioritize cultivating a new generation of leaders who can appeal to a diverse and increasingly progressive electorate. The Republican Party must invest in developing and promoting new blood that can effectively articulate conservative values, while resonating with a broader range of constituents. These emerging leaders should possess an intimate understanding of the nuances of our rapidly changing society, demonstrate exceptional communication skills and exhibit a visionary approach to shaping a prosperous future for all Americans. By nurturing such individuals, the Republicans can breathe new life into their party and build a more sustainable and appealing platform for future generations. They can continue to fight the Democrats’ false claims that conservatives do not celebrate diversity or recognize that including young, vibrant voices is an opportunity for growth and renewal, not a threat to our core principles. These allegations were inaccurate, shady and misleading. While advocating for change within the GOP, it is vital to address the adverse reactions that have emerged from some Republican officials. The fear of straying from the tried-and-tested Trump formula has caused dissent and resistance within their ranks. Nevertheless, it is crucial to remember that progress often necessitates discomfort and the challenging of established norms. Trump’s insistence that the 2020 presidential election was rigged and stolen persists, indicating that he never considered the possibility that his claims were wrong. Despite lacking substantial evidence supporting his allegations of widespread voter fraud, Trump firmly believes the election was stolen from him. If he does not like the results in 2024, these claims will likely be repeated. To achieve lasting change, Republicans must unite and build a coalition that embraces a broad spectrum of voices and ideas. Dalia Al-Aqidi This unwavering stance on election fraud raises concerns about his willingness to accept facts and data that contradict his narrative. Despite numerous court rulings and investigations that failed to substantiate his claims, he continued to assert the same narrative, undermining public trust in the electoral process and fueling division within the nation. The events that unfolded on Jan. 6, 2021, on Capitol Hill will forever be etched in the nation’s history. It was a day that shook the very foundations of American democracy, as violent insurgents stormed the Capitol building, resulting in the loss of life and significant damage. Amid the chaos, one cannot help but reflect on the role that the 45th president played in these events, particularly regarding his stance against former Vice President Mike Pence. Leading up to the attack, Trump’s persistent claims of widespread voter fraud and a stolen election fueled a sense of outrage among his supporters. He repeatedly stated that Pence had the power to overturn the results, despite the lack of constitutional authority. This false belief, perpetuated by the former president, created a dangerous expectation among his followers that Pence could single-handedly alter the outcome. On that fateful day, as some of his supporters breached the Capitol, Trump had a critical opportunity to address the situation and unequivocally condemn the violence. Instead, he initially responded with a mixed message, expressing love and support for the attackers while urging them to remain peaceful. This lukewarm response fell short of the leadership required to defuse the tensions and protect the democratic process. As the president of the US, Trump held a position of immense influence and responsibility. His duty was to protect the democratic institutions and uphold the peaceful transition of power. By perpetuating baseless claims of a stolen election and falsely asserting Pence’s authority, he played a significant role in fueling the anger and frustration that culminated in the attack on the Hill. The events of Jan. 6 serve as a stark reminder of the fragility of democracy and the importance of responsible leadership. It is essential that Americans learn from this dark chapter in their history and take steps to strengthen the country’s democratic institutions. As a nation, the US must reflect on these events and work toward healing and unifying. Great leaders are responsible for prioritizing truth, accountability and the principles underpinning American values. To achieve lasting change, Republicans must unite and build a coalition that embraces a broad spectrum of voices and ideas. This means actively supporting and encouraging new faces within their ranks, irrespective of their previous political experience. Republicans need to do more, like harnessing the power of diversity within the party and recognizing that it is through the inclusion of young, dynamic voices that they can forge a more inclusive, forward-thinking Republican Party. Republicans are standing at a crossroads in the party’s history. Trump’s resurgence has sparked conversations about the future of the GOP and the direction it wishes to go. Yet, as they navigate these discussions, embracing change beyond the Trump era is paramount. And while change takes time and patience, conservatives must remain loyal in their commitment to challenging the status quo. In moving forward, Americans need to recognize that they do not need to repeat the divisiveness and challenges of the 2020 elections. They must rise above the false narratives, unfounded claims and violence that marred that period, while also not erasing Trump’s outstanding achievements, such as the Abraham Accords and his sound economic policies. • Dalia Al-Aqidi is a senior fellow at the Center for Security Policy. Twitter: @DaliaAlAqidi