The GOP has been about ruling, not governing, since Reagan or before. Probably since the planning and execution of the Kennedy assassination. Possibly earlier.

I believe the loud talk, dirty tricks, & gridlock really took root when they elected Newt Gingrich to be House Speaker. Things really took a hard turn to the worse when he made the scene. I don't think the outright challenging of rule of law, bold face lying, and in-your-face corruption until Trump.