I really don't understand the motivation for writing the NY Times op-ed. It doesn't make sense to take it at face value... why would someone write this just to declare what they are declaring? It would only serve to undermine the "resistance" they claim to be part of. Why even use the word "resistance"? Its only purpose seems to be to inflame Trump, which is a clue.
There are a few possibilities I can think of, all are pretty bizarre:
1. It is a cry for help (the most straightforward possibility yet seems far fetched.)
2. It is Pence and/or people allied with him trying to get rid of Trump or test the waters.
3. It is a family member in a truly Machiavellian way trying to push out everyone else.
4. It was written by someone under Russian influence to cause chaos or send a warning shot at Trump.
5. It is not real at all but some kind of masterful con of the NY Times, probably by Republicans trying to make them look bad, also possibly the Russians.
I have a feeling sooner rather than later, we are going to find out. Meanwhile, everyone still left in the administration will continue the denial game.