Politics

Veronique de Rugy | 1.22.2026 2:15 PM

For some years now, conservatives who believe in free markets and limited government have been labeled RINOs—"Republicans in name only"—as GOP liberals or moderates have historically been known. The MAGA movement flings this term as an insult and a signal that respecting the realities of supply and demand instead of endorsing price controls is a character flaw.

But after watching the last few weeks unfold, it's hard not to ask this: If believing in markets makes you a RINO, what exactly do we call Republicans who now openly embrace ideas lifted from the playbooks of Sens. Bernie Sanders (I–Vt.) and Elizabeth Warren (D–Mass.)?

How about "Depublicans"?

The gradual transformation has been taking place since around the beginning of President Donald Trump's first term and is now unmistakable. With a few notable exceptions like taxes, deregulations, and the occasional bombing, those in power seem to behave like Democrats in Republican clothing. They have adopted many of their counterparts' instincts, rhetoric, and policy tools, including industrial policy, trade protectionism, corporate scapegoating, price controls, ownership restrictions, and discretionary federal intervention.

In just the past few weeks, Trump has floated—and senior members of his administration........

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