It is difficult to imagine how a liberal Democrat from Manhattan, New York, would end up developing a rapport with former members of the Republican Party. However, in the wake of Trump’s 2016 election and rising political extremism, new political allegiances were forged as former political opponents came together to protect American Democracy from the growing threat of authoritarianism. Underlying this shift was an overarching sense of hopelessness, loss, and determination to conserve the values akin to American conservatism and the Republican Party. Leading up to the 2016 election, Trump amassed support from diverse political groups, including those who saw in him a chance to escape the familiar patterns of empty promises made by career politicians. Driven by feelings of abandonment and desire, many of these individuals were willing to overlook the contradiction of a millionaire and failed businessman’s promises. However, Trump could not have won the 2016 election with just the support of his core base. Like all political candidates, Trump was backed by ordinary rank-and-file members of the Republican Party that were caught up in the wave of solidarity that the American two-party system inspires. Over the next 4 years, Trump and the actions of the Republican Party tested the loyalty and lengths that members would go to defend him. By demanding absolute loyalty, he drove a wedge between those he considered loyal to him and those loyal to the values of a pre-Trump Republican Party.