It’s March, 2018. The Republican agenda is completely stuck in the mud as a result of constant infighting between Christian Democrats and Reactionaries. The party is cratering in the polls, and it looks like the Democrats will take control of both houses in November.
Trump’s antics have grown old and tiresome and are clearly doing great damage to the GOP brand, to say nothing of the national interest. In addition, the great man himself is visibly tired of the job; in reality, he only ever wanted the perks and prestige of the presidency, not any of its responsibilities. The Russia investigation is getting on his nerves, and he is lashing out in a more extreme way every day.
Mitch McConnell and Paul Ryan go to the White House with an offer. If Trump is given a blanket pardon by President Pence for all actions taken by himself and his family, and if he is given a big parade (complete with tanks and fighters), and if he is permitted to retain an honorary title and many of the perks of office, will he resign for the good of the country and the party? They advise him that Chuck Schumer and Nancy Pelosi have already bought off on the plan. The likely alternative is two years of highly publicized investigations of his business and political activities by a Democratic Congress. Trump thinks about it, and takes the deal.
And we live at least somewhat more happily ever after.