Chris Sununu Dismisses Fears of Trump’s Second Term as Exaggerated

Outgoing New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu, a moderate Republican, has downplayed concerns surrounding President-elect Donald Trump’s return to the White House. Sununu, whose term concludes at the end of this month, suggested that fears of an authoritarian second term fueled by liberal media narratives are overblown.

He also expressed optimism about the continued ability within the Republican Party to hold its leader accountable when necessary.

“It’s never easy to criticize the president, especially when they’re the standard-bearer of your party,” Sununu remarked in an exit interview with Politico. “There’s always a kind of political honeymoon period when someone is first elected, but we’re already seeing signs that people are willing to push back when warranted. 

That alone should reassure the American public—it’s not the apocalyptic dictatorship some in the liberal media predicted.”

One such example of intra-party resistance cited by Sununu was the controversy surrounding Trump’s brief consideration of former Representative Matt Gaetz for the role of U.S. attorney general. 

Gaetz, a Florida Republican, became a lightning rod for criticism due to past investigations, including a sex trafficking probe by the Justice Department and ethics inquiries in Congress. Gaetz ultimately withdrew from consideration when it became evident that he lacked the Senate support needed for confirmation.

Sununu also highlighted the broader dynamics within the Republican Party, emphasizing that the party transcends Trump and the political movement he has spearheaded. Nonetheless, he acknowledged Trump’s singular influence on the GOP, describing him as “extremely unique.”

According to Sununu, there is no viable “Trump lite” figure capable of replicating or replacing what the former president brings to the table, whether for better or worse.

Reflecting on his own political future, Sununu revealed he has no intention of pursuing a Senate seat or mounting a presidential campaign. Instead, he plans to transition to the private sector after completing his tenure as governor. 

Sununu first assumed office in 2017 and served four consecutive two-year terms before deciding not to seek reelection in 2023. His successor, Republican former Senator Kelly Ayotte, was elected to take the reins as New Hampshire’s governor.

Throughout his political career, Sununu has positioned himself as a pragmatic voice within the GOP. During the 2024 Republican primary, he endorsed former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley. After Haley suspended her campaign, Sununu shifted his support to Trump, signaling his acknowledgment of the president-elect’s continued dominance within the party.

In his interview, Sununu underscored the importance of balancing loyalty to party leadership with the ability to critique and resist policies that conflict with one’s principles. This balance, he suggested, is crucial for ensuring a healthy political system and preventing any one individual from wielding unchecked power.

Sununu’s remarks reflect a broader debate within the Republican Party about its future direction and Trump’s role in shaping its identity. As Trump prepares to return to the Oval Office, Sununu’s optimism about the resilience of party institutions and the willingness of Republicans to hold their leader accountable may provide some comfort to those concerned about potential overreach. 

However, the actual dynamics between Trump and the GOP in the coming years will likely determine whether these assurances hold true.