Despite his rejection by a clear majority of the American people, and despite having lost the House and then the Senate to the Democrats, Donald Trump seems to have an incredible hold over the Republican Party. Whilst it is clear the leadership can’t wish him far enough, and criticise his role in the events of 6 January, they are still circumspect in their actions and words. Many members of the party have still failed to say a word against him.

The willingness to call out the ex-presidents behaviour seems to be closely correlated to the distance from re-election. For members of the House that is very soon and they are loath to risk the ire of a man renown for his commitment to revenge. The threat of being primaried or having some of the Trump war chest deployed against them retains their public if not private loyalty.

Some, of course, may be believers in Trumpism. They genuinely think the policies and practices of the past four years are consistent with the constitution and the principles of liberal democracy. In which case one cannot question their integrity though you might their judgement.

It is the ones that know Trump is definitely in the running for the worst American president of all time that are really difficult to fathom. They know the scale of the threat he has been to American Democracy but cannot bring themselves to stand up and be counted.

The job of an American Congressman, is reasonably well paid. The salary is $174,000 per annum for all members of the House and the Senate. There are no additional amounts for being the Chair of a Committee, however, the majority and minority leader in both houses receive $193k and the Speaker of the House receives $223,500.

On top of their base salary they can earn up to a maximum of 15% of a separately based figure with a current maximum allowance of $28,440 giving a potential total earnings from all employments of $202,440, approximately equivalent to £144k.

One cannot believe the concern Republican members have for the Constitution and their nations democracy is exceeded by their salary. There must be some other values which they hold so dear as to be willing to stand silent in the face of incitement to insurrection.

What can those values be?