Letters

As the spectacle of January 6 proved to us, there is a large group of people who follow the beliefs, words and attitudes of Donald Trump. Importantly, much like Donald Trump, they are not going to go away just because he was not reelected, no matter the consequences.

They cannot be called Republicans, as they would be summarily rejected by the likes of Ronald Reagan, George Bush and John McCain.

So I propose that they become a proper political party: the Trump Party. Trump himself would be delighted, as we all know how much he loves to plaster his last name on pretty much anything associated with him. So why not a political party?

Traditional Republicans would be relieved, as it would finally give them time to recover from the devastation to their reputation of the last five years.

We have long discussed the need for a third party in this country, and, let’s face it, independents have just not been terribly exciting. But a Trump Party? Now, they would get attention. Their conspiracy theories could be their platform, because, to date, Trump really doesn’t have one. They would have a legitimate outlet for all of their aggression, hatred, racism, misogyny and xenophobia in their great, big, beautiful rallies. They would make millions for the party (even after Trump’s cut) off the sale of their campaign paraphernalia: hats, flags, banners, bandannas, drinking flasks, bongs, boots, knuckle rings, bats and pipe bombs.

Their campaign commercials and advertising could feature the entire Trump clan (excluding Tiffany, and, of course, Mary). There can be a beauty contest once a year to select the Trump Party Princess, presided over by Ivanka and Don Sr., of course. Don Jr. can parade around bare-chested in Jake Angeli’s animal costume, because we all know how much he loves being seen as the great white hunter — and, besides, Angeli will be in jail and have no use for it.

When the Trumpsters feel frustrated, they could run around in mobs and break things and trespass to stand up for what they believe. Or they could decorate their pickup trucks and drive around wrapped in American flags, terrorizing people.

So, in the next election, politicians like, let’s say, our distinguished congressman, Lee Zeldin, could identify themselves as members of the Trump Party, and they won’t have to lie any longer about being Republicans. Clearly, Lee has already given himself wholly to Trump, so why not make it official?

But, most importantly, it would give Trump a constant source of adoration to feed his fragile ego — and when the Trumpsters break the law, they can be arrested one by one, or perhaps in great, big, beautiful group!

Paula Angelone, Ph.D.

Southampton Village