GOP Group, Including Vance and Thiel, Plans for Long-Term MAGA Leadership
In an effort to solidify long-term GOP leadership, a group of prominent figures convened in Rockbridge, Ohio, in 2019. This meeting gathered influential GOP supporters, including venture capitalist Peter Thiel and U.S. Senate candidate JD Vance. The primary goal was to outline a strategy for sustaining the MAGA movement beyond Donald Trump’s tenure.
Formation of the Rockbridge Network
The meeting led to the establishment of the “Rockbridge Network.” This group, directed by Chris Buskirk, focuses on maintaining a powerful influence within the GOP. Attendees included notable personalities such as Tucker Carlson, Rebekah Mercer, and economist Oren Cass. Their collective vision is to influence American policy through business leadership.
Aims and Ambitions
According to a report, the Rockbridge Network aims to ensure that the GOP secures a significant portion of the popular vote—targeting victories in upcoming elections with a goal of achieving 55%. They are also strategizing for the 2026 midterms and the 2028 presidential elections, with aspirations for JD Vance as a candidate.
- Target Election: 2026 Midterms
- Target Election: 2028 Presidential Contest
- Goal: 55% of the Popular Vote
Financing the Movement
The network plans to utilize substantial financial backing from tech entrepreneurs. Funds will be directed to campaigns that align with the MAGA ethos. An underlying strategy involves identifying legal leverage points for holding accountable those in the media and other sectors.
A brochure highlighted the approach, stating, “Through Strategic Litigation, we will identify leverage points…” This statement suggests a proactive stance on legal matters to contest perceived injustices.
Leadership Vision
Chris Buskirk, the key organizer, seeks to influence American politics through what he calls “patriotic capitalism.” With his firm, 1789 Capital, he has partnered with Donald Trump Jr. to enhance GOP interests. Buskirk posits that wealth creation among elites is not contradictory to populist movements. He refers to this ideology as “aristopopulism.”
Critics and Controversy
Despite the ambitious plans, Buskirk’s vision faces skepticism. Critics question whether the Rockbridge Network truly represents the needs of average Americans. Michael Strain from the American Enterprise Institute remarked that the focus should be on national prosperity, not merely on the interests of affluent individuals.
- Michael Strain’s Quote: “The government’s job is to advance the prosperity of the nation…”
- Concerns about Representing Average Americans
As the GOP strategizes for the future, the formation of the Rockbridge Network signals a significant push towards a structured business-like influence in politics, aiming to extend the MAGA legacy beyond Trump’s presidency.
