From Mother Jones · Reveal · · 1m 10s
Trump's inner circle runs on pure loyalty
New York Times reporter Jonathan Swan explains how Trump's second term relies on officials who see him as a figure of destiny.
In brief
New York Times reporter Jonathan Swan explains how Trump's second term relies on officials who see him as a figure of destiny. Trump's presidency is sustained by advisors bound by an almost religious devotion to him, not traditional political loyalty. Originally reported by Mother Jones.
Trump's chaos strategy works
Trump constantly shifts focus from major issues like Iran and immigration to false claims about voter fraud and taking Greenland, creating constant distraction.
Swan's book reveals inside decisions
New York Times reporter Jonathan Swan's new book Regime Change takes readers inside the room where Trump's major decisions happen during his second term.
Loyalty isn't the right word
Trump's officials have a bond so strong that loyalty almost doesn't describe it. They see him as a figure of destiny, a historical figure God put here to save the country.
“The word 'loyalty' almost isn't strong enough to describe the bond that some of them have with him.”
Loyalists make chaos manageable
Swan says the true believers Trump surrounded himself with in his second term have made his overwhelming and exhausting presidency possible.
Epstein scandal shook the White House
The Jeffrey Epstein scandal sent Trump's White House into crisis mode behind closed doors, according to Swan's reporting.
The big picture
Trump's presidency is sustained by advisors bound by an almost religious devotion to him, not traditional political loyalty.
