There is something to that. But the leader of the gop needs to be a visible leader. We cannot have secret leaders like the Dems do. I think it’s Trump. He’s a former president. He was undoubtedly the leader when he was president. He’s the front runner for the nomination. His congressional picks were mostly nominated. If he’s not the leader, then that’s a sign that he’s abdicated.
He will (re) assume that roll when/if he wins the 2024 primary. I'm not sure it will do him/us much good but there it is. The republican party is hanging out there somewhere in left field. I don't think they can find their way back to the dugout.