During his address at the Democratic National Convention, former Republican Congressman Adam Kinzinger (R, Ill.) launched a scathing critique of Donald Trump, accusing him of undermining the Republican Party and its core values. In a direct appeal to his former party members, Kinzinger, who served in Congress from 2011 to 2023, delivered a powerful message at Chicago’s United Center. He described Trump’s influence on the Republican Party as a “fundamental weakness” that has “sapped our strength, softened our spine, whipping us into a fever that has untethered us from our values.”
Kinzinger’s speech aimed to bridge the partisan divide, emphasizing the shared patriotism of Democrats and Republicans. “The Democrats are as patriotic as us. They love this country just as much as we do. And they are as eager to defend American values at home and abroad as we conservatives have ever been,” he stated. However, he also challenged the Republican Party’s claims of patriotism, posing a direct question: “How can a party claim to be patriotic if it idolizes a man who tried to overthrow a free and fair election?”
Kinzinger’s outspoken criticism of Trump stemmed from his participation in the select committee investigating the January 6th Capitol riot. He was one of only 10 Republicans who voted to impeach Trump during his second impeachment trial and served alongside then-Rep. Liz Cheney (R-Wyo.) as one of only two Republicans on the committee. His endorsement of Kamala Harris was a direct call to action for his former colleagues, urging them to choose values over party loyalty.
“If you think those principles are worth defending, I urge you: Make the right choice. Vote for our bedrock values. Vote for Kamala Harris,” Kinzinger concluded, appealing to those who might be disillusioned with the current state of the Republican Party.
Kinzinger’s speech was part of a broader trend at the DNC, where several former Trump supporters and staffers spoke out against their former leader and pledged their support for Harris. This event showcased a growing movement within the Republican Party, urging its members to break free from Trump’s influence and return to core principles of democracy and civic responsibility.
