But in interviews with BuzzFeed News Wednesday, a wide range of clear-eyed Republicans, from Trump boosters to #NeverTrump die-hards, said there was little point in trying to change Trump’s style, temperament, tactics, or level of discipline in the next 100 days.
“The idea that Reince Priebus thinks that he has any leverage over Donald is ridiculous,” said one former Trump adviser who remains supportive of his candidacy. “He’s served Donald’s purposes. He got Donald the nomination. The transaction is complete … You think [Trump] gives a shit what Reince Priebus says to him now?”
Trygve Olson, a veteran GOP consultant who has said he won’t support Trump, similarly dismissed the notion that the candidate would pay heed to the counsel of Republican allies — even those who have bent over backwards to support him.
“If you look at the way he’s treated people like Paul Ryan and Reince Priebus and Newt Gingrich, why would anyone think appeasing, accommodating, or attempting to help [Trump] in any way would end well?” said Olson.
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