Trump Whisperer Maggie Haberman On Trump 2.0
On with Kara Swisher
Deep Dive
Why did Maggie Haberman believe Donald Trump would remain a political force after January 6th?
Maggie Haberman believed Trump would remain a political force because his history showed he never accepts defeat on others' terms. He had already started discussing running again before and after January 6th. Additionally, Trump had a durable political movement that represented a significant portion of the Republican Party and the country, which she felt Washington wasn't ready to address.
What is the significance of Elon Musk's relationship with Donald Trump?
Elon Musk has become a significant figure in Trump's orbit due to his financial contributions and proximity to Trump. Musk has been staying at Mar-a-Lago and is involved in government cost-cutting initiatives. Trump equates wealth with intelligence, and Musk's influence is seen as a potential asset, though the long-term dynamics of their relationship remain uncertain.
What are Donald Trump's likely priorities on his first day in office?
On his first day, Trump is expected to issue executive orders focused on immigration, including sealing the border. He has also made campaign promises related to campuses, anti-Semitism, and LGBTQ+ issues, which may be addressed through executive actions. Tariffs, particularly on Mexico and Canada, are also a priority, though their implementation may be gradual.
How does Maggie Haberman view the potential for Trump to pardon January 6th rioters?
Haberman believes Trump will likely pardon some January 6th rioters, though not all. Trump has spent years trying to rewrite the history of the event, referring to it as a 'day of love' and calling those arrested 'hostages.' The political impact of such pardons remains uncertain, as the broader public may not view the event as critically as those in Washington.
What challenges do Trump's controversial cabinet nominees face?
Trump's cabinet nominees, such as Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for Health and Human Services and Tulsi Gabbard for various roles, face significant challenges. Kennedy's pro-choice stance and views on vaccines may draw scrutiny, while Gabbard's preparedness has been questioned by some senators. These nominees reflect Trump's strategy of 'flooding the zone' with controversial figures to overwhelm opposition.
How does Maggie Haberman assess the potential for Trump to retaliate against political enemies?
Haberman takes Trump's threats of retaliation seriously, particularly against figures like Jack Smith and Liz Cheney. Trump has a history of using the Department of Justice to pursue his adversaries, and his administration is now staffed with loyalists who align with his desire to 'clean out the deep state.' She advises those targeted to prepare for potential legal or political challenges.
What is the role of Stephen Miller in Trump's administration?
Stephen Miller is a highly influential figure in Trump's administration, particularly on immigration policy. He has a deep understanding of the legal and policy landscape, having worked in the federal government and run a legal policy organization. Miller's influence is evident in the placement of his allies in key roles across agencies, ensuring his priorities are implemented.
How does Maggie Haberman view the potential impact of Trump's tariffs on the economy?
Haberman believes Trump's tariffs could be highly disruptive to the economy, particularly the business community. Trump has a long-standing belief that other countries are 'ripping off' the U.S., and he often uses tariffs as leverage. While the stock market's reaction may influence his decisions, Trump has historically been willing to push forward with tariffs despite economic warnings.
What is the significance of TikTok in Trump's political strategy?
Trump believes TikTok played a significant role in his election victory, leading to a shift in his stance on the platform. Despite previously pushing for a ban, he now views TikTok as a beneficial tool for his political messaging. The potential sale of TikTok to investors like Elon Musk could be a major issue at the start of his administration.
How does Maggie Haberman view the increasing use of lawsuits by powerful figures to intimidate the press?
Haberman sees the rise in lawsuits against the press by figures like Trump and Elon Musk as a concerning trend. Trump has a history of using litigation to intimidate and distract, even when cases are unlikely to succeed. She emphasizes the importance of maintaining journalistic standards while acknowledging the growing legal risks faced by the media.
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