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Republicans Accused of Horrible Things Have a Perfect Excuse: Donald Trump

Aug 15, 2026 · 11m

Summary

Will Salatin argues that Donald Trump serves as a role model for Republican politicians facing legal or ethical scandals, encouraging them to stay in office rather than resign. He cites examples like Duncan Hunter, Matt Gaetz, and George Santos, who invoked Trump’s legal battles to justify their conduct and received endorsements or pardons. The episode highlights how current congressman Max Miller used this same logic to refuse dropping out amid abuse allegations, illustrating Salatin’s view that the GOP has become a "crime family" with no character standards.

Topics discussed

Max Miller refuses to drop out, citing Trump's resilience Duncan Hunter: Stealing campaign funds and getting pardoned Matt Gaetz: Ethics violations and failed AG nomination George Santos: Fraud conviction and Trump's pardon Corey Mills: Abuse allegations and Trump's endorsement Conclusion: The GOP as a crime family with no standards
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