“Small government” is rhetoric Republicans use when Democratic priorities for government (social services, etc.) are being discussed; it evaporated when Republican priorities for government (military, law enforcement, etc.) are discussed, and even when Republicans have full control of federal policy you don't
get smaller government, so the idea that they are for it in any way other than as a occasionally-convenient rhetorical dodge around discussing particular issues is not well supported by evidence.
“Small government” is rhetoric Republicans use when Democratic priorities for government (social services, etc.) are being discussed; it evaporated when Republican priorities for government (military, law enforcement, etc.) are discussed, and even when Republicans have full control of federal policy you don't get smaller government, so the idea that they are for it in any way other than as a occasionally-convenient rhetorical dodge around discussing particular issues is not well supported by evidence.