LOCAL COLUMN
OPINION: I'm a Republican suffering from 'Trump Derangement Syndrome'
After Rob Reiner’s untimely death, in his usual show of sensitive diplomacy, President Donald Trump remarked that Reiner, a frequent critic, had “Trump Derangement Syndrome.” Hmm, I must have it also. I assumed that as a conservative Republican, I was immune. Yet I increasingly find myself troubled — not by Trump’s stated goals in many areas, but by the methods he uses to pursue them. My concerns stem from specific actions that conflict with constitutional principles, longstanding norms or basic expectations of governance.
There are plenty of things he has done that I totally disagree with: the military birthday parade, changing the names of the Gulf of Mexico and the Department of Defense, pardoning the Jan. 6 rioters, giving access to investors in his crypto, weaponizing the Department of Justice, accepting the jet from Qatar, and on and on. But even when I support his underlying objectives, I question his approach. Here’s a partial list of such actions:
Border security: I support strong border enforcement and a functional immigration system. However, the administration’s efforts to expand rapid deportations and reduce due‑process protections raise concerns. Many undocumented immigrants contribute significantly to the U.S. economy, and past Republican policy has focused on prioritizing the removal of individuals who commit violent crimes. While that was Trump’s stated goal, that has certainly not been his approach.
Safe cities: I do appreciate feeling safe when I visit a city, but seeing military in the streets makes me feel anything but safe.
Government efficiency: God knows the government has plenty of fat to cut, but the chaotic DOGE approach was largely ineffective, destructive for morale and has already faded from relevance.
Ukraine: I pray for peace in Ukraine, but I am alarmed by Trump’s pressure on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to concede to most, if not all, of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s demands.
Venezuela: I’m glad that Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro is gone, but I question whether it was America’s role to oust him and run the country. Capturing their leader and seizing their oil makes me question who is really behaving like a dictator.
Greenland: While I recognize Greenland’s strategic position and mineral resources, I’m uncomfortable with the notion of compelling Denmark to relinquish it to the United States at Trump’s request. Putin’s argument that Ukraine is strategically essential to Russia doesn’t legitimize his attempt to take it, and the parallel raises difficult questions about the consistency of such actions.
Military strength: I’m all for a strong military, but if Trump says ours is already the biggest and baddest, why does he want another half‑trillion dollars a year? With the deficit ballooning, it feels reckless. Sometimes it seems like he’s gearing up for a fight with the whole world. If he keeps alienating allies, he may get his wish.
In closing, when I shared these concerns with Republican friends, they replied that “at least Trump is better than the far-left alternative.” That’s not the point. Just because you consider someone the better driver doesn’t mean you give him the keys to the proverbial car with no speed limits, no stop signs and absolutely no roadway etiquette. In that regard, I would argue that the true manifestation of “Trump Derangement Syndrome” appears among Republicans in Congress who silence their own reservations and defer to him without question.
The Constitution’s design — three separate and equal branches — exists to maintain balance and prevent overreach. Yet Trump frequently circumvents a Congress reluctant to confront him and publicly targets judges who rule against him. When asked recently whether there was anything that could limit his reach of power, Trump replied, “only my own morals.” That answer should send chills down your spine.
George Sharpe, the investment manager for Merrion Oil & Gas, is a lifelong Republican and lifelong resident of New Mexico.
