In my view, much of the GOP-voting American population (and others) changed during Trump's campaign and presidency. Early in the campaign, Republican voters generally didn't like him, but by the election, and then as his time in office progressed, GOP voters became rabid Trump fans, even if they generally despised him before.
Trump keeps the GOP in line through fear. Either the entire party follows his tune, or next election he splits it in half and they get slaughtered by the Democrats, or even possibly some independents. That would be the end of the GOP.
Disclaimer: this is the opinion of a foreigner who just takes a casual interest in American politics, because when the US sneezes, we catch a cold.
No, that's not at all what I'm referring to. I'm talking about the American voters, not the politicians. The voters themselves became a bunch of rabid Trump followers, even when they weren't at the beginning of the campaign.
Dilbert’s popularity has been slowly fading and with it Scott was becoming irrelevant and approaching retirement age.
He made a very slightly pro Trump comment on his blog, and then Trump’s rabid followers jumped in the forum and heaped praise on him, more than he’s seen in likely a decade.
Rinse, repeat a few times and the adoration of his new fanbase propelled him to be a Trump champion.
With Trumpism thankfully fading, he’s angry and bitter that he’s losing his influence.