During an interview on ABC this Sunday, outgoing Arkansas Republican Governor Asa Hutchinson told host Jonathan Karl that Donald Trump shouldn’t be the next president, or presumably ever serve again, tying his stance to January 6 — although Hutchinson was noncommittal on the move he would take if Trump wins Republicans’ 2024 nomination.
“I do not believe that Donald Trump should be the next president of the United States. I think he’s had his opportunity there. I think January 6 really disqualifies him for the future. And so, we move beyond that. And that’s what I want to be focused on,” the governor said. Trump already formally confirmed his expected 2024 campaign, but he hasn’t actually done much with that campaign since the announcement — although his legal and public relations troubles have continued. It was after his campaign announcement he gathered with anti-Semites at his Florida resort, including the rap artist Ye (formerly Kanye West) and internet agitator Nick Fuentes.
“I want to see what the alternatives are,” Hutchinson added. “And it’s premature, Jonathan, to get into what might happen in 2024. That issue will come up. But I want to see everything I can do to make sure there is the alternative and that Donald Trump is not the nominee of the party. That’s the first thing, and let’s figure out how to do that.” Although Florida GOP Governor Ron DeSantis consistently shows up in polls with a strong result against Trump, he hasn’t actually announced a campaign. Hutchinson is another potential contender, but he said on ABC he hadn’t finalized a decision on running — although he’s soon visiting Iowa. Besides two terms as Arkansas governor, Hutchinson also served in the Bush administration and Congress.
Hutchinson acknowledged Trump’s continuing command of at least many Republicans, but the outgoing governor was insistent there is a possibility for challenging Trump’s standing — although he acknowledged serious difficulties may emerge, like an extended campaign. Hutchinson also argued that some voters would be keeping their distance from Trump as the freshness of what he offers fades. Since Trump first announced his 2016 presidential candidacy, years upon years have passed, and he’s turned recently to extreme proposals like suspending portions of the Constitution in support of his ambition to reclaim the presidency without even going through the 2024 election. How many people are prepared to stick with years upon years more of that? Hutchinson argued in favor of a unifying focus on policy.
Check out Hutchinson’s interview below:
