The Republican Party, historically championing individual liberty and limited government, finds itself increasingly at odds with a perceived “elite” it claims to be fighting against. This narrative, however, fails to address the elephant in the room: the Republican Party itself is increasingly becoming the very elite it criticizes.

This disconnect isn’t new. For decades, the Republican Party has courted the support of the wealthy and powerful. Corporate donations have become a vital lifeline for their campaigns, and policies favoring the affluent – from tax cuts to deregulation – have become hallmarks of their platform. This has alienated a large segment of the population who feel left behind by a system rigged in favor of the privileged.

The problem, however, goes deeper than just policies. The Republican Party is increasinglydominated by figures who themselves hail from the upper echelons of society. From wealthy businessmen like Donald Trump and Mike Bloomberg to establishment politicians with deep ties to corporate interests, the party’s leadership no longer reflects the struggles of the average American.

This disconnect has exacerbated the sense of alienation and distrust in the political system. It has fueled the rise of populist figures who exploit this resentment and offer simplistic solutions that appeal to the fears and anxieties of those feeling left behind.

Here’s the irony: by embracing the elite and advocating for their interests, the Republican Party is creating the very conditions that fuel their own undoing. The perception of being “out of touch” has become a major hurdle in connecting with the working class, who are increasingly turned off by the party’s embrace of wealth and power.

The Republican Party faces a choice: continue down the path of catering to the elite, risking further alienation and ultimately losing touch with the very voters they need to win, or actively embrace policies and leaders that reflect the struggles and aspirations of the average American.

Only by acknowledging the disconnect between their rhetoric and their reality, and by actively engaging with the concerns of those they claim to represent, can the Republican Party truly address the “problem with the elite” – starting with themselves.