When will former President Donald Trump learn that his time in the spotlight is over? By announcing intentions to run in 2024, Trump is throwing everything he has into covering up federal investigations of his financial and political “misdemeanors.” His bid for the 2024 Republican Party primary seat is simply a power play to clear the field of competitors, all while reinstating his voice in the media — becoming all the more real with Elon Musk’s decision to let him back on Twitter.

Ever since Trump first gained political traction as a man of brash words and the ability to appeal to regions of the United States ignored by economic and political reform, the U.S. has become increasingly divided and distrustful of the very backbone of our society — the government. When the people of a nation cannot trust the results of an election because their party lost, there is an issue. Let us not forget the atrocities of Jan. 6, 2021, as they have been buried by news of midterms, climate change and countless other human failings. Since the capitol riots, Trump has become less of a political concern and more of a criminal concern.

This is not to say that apprehension is not in the air, but it feels as if many think of his pitch as a pity play. How could a man who was impeached twice and who is under investigation by multiple government agencies run and possibly win an election?

Many Americans and media organizations seem to have caught onto the tried-and-true method used to deter bullies like Trump — ignore them. Without constant media attention, not only do people not know what he is up to, but his power has been taken away. Trump without a public voice is simply a man who is attempting to cling to some semblance of power and control, which has been gone for some time.

Quietly, the GOP has started to detach itself from Trump, showing the intentions and morals — or lack thereof — of the party as a whole. Bearing in mind that many Republican House and Senate members’ lives were endangered due to his actions, it just makes sense. After his announcement to run again, many have refrained from immediate endorsement, saying instead that they expect a competitive primary election, as Senator John Cornyn of Texas told the Texas Tribune. Of course, many election deniers like Marjorie Taylor Greene continue to parrot support for Trump, but what they need to realize is that these statements are not buying them any votes.

Evident through the overall failure of the GOP to sweep midterms, Trump’s endorsements have done more harm than good.

The one man who appears to be the front-runner is Ron DeSantis, the current governor of Florida. Considering Florida’s history as a swing state and its diverse population — around 50% people of color — his win does not bode well for the 2024 election if Democrats want to remain in power (U.S. Census Bureau). One of the only reasons Trump was so successful in 2016 was his unique nature and what he brought to the GOP — a semblance of change. So, in today’s world, he does not bring anything new to the race for the presidential seat — in policy, and because he has already taken his shot as the nation’s leader.

As the presidential campaigns commence, all eyes will be on the Republican candidates and from whom they receive endorsements. In the best-case scenario, many Republicans will hopefully realize that they cannot effectively be bullied into supporting Trump, considering his lack of bureaucratic relevancy. However, if a competitor like Ron DeSantis beats him out, the country may need to brace for impact.

Correction Jan. 17: An earlier version of this article made a reference to the provisions of the Constitution that was not wholly accurate. That sentence has been removed.