If memory serves...wasn’t Reagan given this same kind of treatment before he was finally embraced by the GOP?
Yes. And as far as I can tell, he was never "embraced" by the GOP. The party went along because it was the best way for certain members to maintain their positions of privilege.
The "establishment" will always seek to control and use the public; and it provides positions of power, prestige and privilege in order to entice. It's up to the people to keep the government in check - the GOP won't keep the government in check, it will grow it as fast as the public lets it.