By prioritizing himself over his movement, Trump seems to have answered that question. In targeting Sessions, Trump has all but declared war on Trumpism.

This debate has also spilled over into the race to fill the remainder of Sessions’ Senate term, with the contest coming down to which candidate is the truest supporter of Trump the man.

Rep. Mo Brooks, a Republican congressman seeking the seat, is in many ways committed to Trumpism. He is a tough-talking immigration restrictionist who rails against legislation making it easier for the president to push trade deals without Senate ratification. Brooks even once went further than Trump when he accused the Democrats of waging a “war on whites.” The allegation came in an interview with Laura Ingraham, a conservative radio talk show host who has been so fiercely pro-Trump that she has been rumored for White House jobs.