Before Trump occupied the White House, Republicans openly criticized him as a grifter and conman. Once he was elected, they threw all their ethics, Oaths of Office and obligations to the United States and its citizens out the window. No matter what Trump said or did they either jumped to his defense or remained complicity silent. They in fact, as part of the legislative branch of government, totally abandoned their duty of checks and balances. Even as Trump was impeached twice Republicans refused to hold him accountable. Instead they touted his false claims of political persecution and victimization. Thus began the descent to authoritarianism and pursuit of power no matter the cost.