Adam Kinzinger on the GOP’s Transformation: "I'm Probably Closer to a Democrat Now"
Former Congressman Adam Kinzinger has recently reflected on the dramatic shift in the Republican Party, describing himself as "probably closer to a Democrat now" than he has ever been before. In an exclusive interview with Forbes , Kinzinger shared his growing disillusionment with the GOP, noting that his views on key issues, especially foreign policy, now align more closely with the Democratic Party.
Kinzinger’s remarks come as he reflects on his experiences during his time in Congress, where he served from 2011 to 2023. The Illinois Republican, who was a vocal critic of former President Donald Trump, explained that the Democratic Party’s stance on defending America’s role in the world, particularly their support for Ukraine amid its ongoing conflict with Russia, resonates with him. He has long been an advocate for a strong international presence by the United States, and he finds himself at odds with the isolationist tendencies that have gained prominence within the GOP in recent years.
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Speaking candidly, Kinzinger said that over time, he has found himself forging new political alliances, realizing that the Democratic Party's approach to foreign policy is more in line with his own. "The Democrats are now the party that’s defending America’s role in the world, defending Ukraine, which I’m really passionate about," he noted. This observation underscores his disillusionment with the changing direction of his former party, which has veered away from his vision of strong global engagement.
As one of the most outspoken Republicans in the House during the Trump era, Kinzinger played a key role in holding the former president accountable for the events surrounding the January 6th Capitol insurrection. He was one of the 10 Republican House members to vote for Trump’s impeachment and was a staunch advocate for the creation of the House committee that investigated the attack. His decision to stand against Trump’s divisive influence on the party further cemented his sense of alienation from the GOP.
In the interview, Kinzinger reflected on the violence he anticipated on January 6, 2021, and explained how he carried a firearm to the Capitol, feeling it was necessary given the growing threat of violence. "I knew there was going to be violence. I predicted violence, and so I went in with my gun for the first time," he said, underscoring the gravity of the situation and his deep concern for the safety of the lawmakers inside.
Looking toward the future, Kinzinger expressed his frustrations with Trump’s potential return to the White House. While he remains bitter about Trump’s victory in the 2024 election, he believes there is a silver lining. He posits that Trump’s influence will likely dissipate after another term, and that the GOP will be in disarray for the foreseeable future. “I think the Republican Party is toast for a while. Everything is a pendulum, and I honestly believe that Trumpism doesn’t survive past these four years," Kinzinger predicted, suggesting that the public will soon tire of Trump and his movement.
Kinzinger’s reflections on the Republican Party are a stark reminder of how deeply polarized American politics has become. As the GOP grapples with its identity in the wake of Trump’s leadership, former figures like Kinzinger, who once embodied the party’s conservative ideals, find themselves questioning their place in a transformed political landscape. His journey underscores the tension within the GOP as it continues to redefine its values in the post-Trump era.
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