5/18/26 - Trump claims another scalp, Massie fights for survival, Deery Attorney Samantha DeWester

Today’s episode of The Rob Kendall Show opens with a look at new polling showing deep concern about the economy and President Trump’s handling of it. Kendall argues many Republicans are too emotionally attached to Trump to acknowledge warning signs, including voters saying they feel worse off financially, stressed about the economy, and unable to keep up with inflation. He says the numbers point to real trouble for Republicans this fall if affordability, gas prices, and inflation do not improve. Kendall then shifts into a larger question about what the Republican Party is becoming, using Congressman Thomas Massie’s primary fight as the central example. He argues Massie represents many of the principles Republicans claim to support, including lower spending, smaller government, transparency, and skepticism of foreign wars. Despite that, Massie is being targeted by Trump and outside groups because he has been willing to challenge the president. The show also examines how loyalty to Trump has become the dominant force in Republican primaries. Kendall points to polling showing a Trump endorsement remains the most powerful factor among Republican voters, but questions whether that power helps the party in general elections when Trump’s broader economic numbers are weak. He warns that a party built around obedience to one person rather than policy principles may struggle once voters begin judging results outside of the primary electorate. Another major topic is the influence of issues like AI, tech companies, and data centers on voters. Kendall highlights polling showing both Trump and Harris voters are increasingly concerned about regulating AI and large tech companies, calling it a major warning sign for local officials dealing with data center fights in Indiana. He argues candidates who take a strong but reasonable position on data centers could find real support across party lines. The episode closes with Kendall reflecting on what Massie’s race could reveal about the future of the Republican Party. If Massie wins, Kendall says it may show there is still room for independent thought and policy-driven conservatism. If he loses, he argues it will signal that the party has moved even further toward personality-driven politics, where disagreement with Trump is treated as disloyalty no matter how conservative a person’s record may be. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices