As any objective outside observer can see, the Republican Party has lost its way. Even inside observers recognize it is no longer the party of ideas. Respect for the rule of law has become a slogan instead of a practice. Today's Republican Party is nothing more than the party of Donald Trump — an entity that would be almost unrecognizable to its founders.

From the moment Trump arrived on the scene, a split seemed almost inevitable between principled conservatives and others who embraced the party as more of a tribe and cult of personality. That split has finally arrived, and though it is sad for the party, it is good for America.

A new faction will formally announce itself as early as Thursday with the express intent to lead with what it calls an "American renewal." The group, which includes more than 100 prominent Republicans, says it plans to hasten either the repair of the GOP or the creation of an alternative dedicated to the party's founding ideals. American Renewal has put forth 13 principles, foremost among them are the rule of law, civic responsibility and pluralism.

In other words, the exact opposite of Trumpism, which can be defined as disregard for the rule of law if it advances Trump's political whims, a complete disregard for civic responsibility, and singularism of purpose: loyalty to Donald Trump above country and constitution.

For five years, Republicans have honored a publicly unspoken deal to stay quiet and loyal to Trump. Those who dared take a stand found themselves bulldozed out of office, shunned and publicly humiliated. Holding onto power seemed to be all that mattered.

For those left bulldozed, shunned or appalled, a new, alternative political home is emerging.

It is clear that most Republican voters continue to support the former president and the lies he and his allies have fed them. But for the first time in history, there are more registered independents in the United States than there are registered Republicans.

According to Ballot Access News, which tracks registrations in the 31 states that require voters to register by party, independents in 2020 accounted for 29% of voters, compared with 29% for Republicans. Democrats still outweighed both with 39.66%. A Gallup poll in March of this year asked voters to identify their party affiliation, and only 25% responded Republican. Independents accounted for 41% of respondents, and Democrats 32%. The data suggests the Trumpian Republican Party is losing, not gaining support.

Republicans, independents, and maybe even some centrist Democrats will soon be able to make a choice and declare their rejection of lies, unethical governance and corruption, insurrection, contempt for constitutional order and rule by a personality cult.

For Trump loyalists in the GOP leadership, this new faction serves as a warning call: Republican moderates must recognize that their party is standing at the edge of a dangerous precipice. The party must either fix what's wrong or face fragmentation.

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