" The ‘Never Trump’ movement was never going anywhere. "
- Paul Manafort

The statement suggests that a movement against Donald Trump's influence within certain circles was unlikely to gain traction or achieve its goals. This implies that the speaker believes the opposition to Trump, particularly among those who were once part of his political orbit but later distanced themselves from him, would not succeed in significantly altering the landscape around him.

Beyond its surface meaning, this quote speaks volumes about the dynamics within and outside of Donald Trump’s political sphere during a specific period. It highlights the resilience of loyalty to someone like Trump despite controversies or personal disagreements. The speaker's assertion also hints at the pervasive influence that Trump held over his supporters and associates, even those who might have had reasons to oppose him publicly. This observation underscores how deeply ingrained certain figures can be in political landscapes, making it challenging for opposing movements to gain momentum.

Paul Manafort is a well-known figure from Washington D.C.'s lobbying world before becoming Donald Trump's campaign manager during the 2016 presidential race. Known for his extensive work with foreign governments and Republican politicians, Manafort’s comments carry weight within political circles due to his insider status and firsthand experience with influential figures like Trump.