The Commentary Magazine Podcast The Self-Inflicted White House Wounds
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Apr 24, 2025 
Bret Stephens, a contributing editor at Commentary Magazine and a columnist for the New York Times, joins to dissect Donald Trump's decline in the polls due to self-inflicted wounds, like controversial tariffs. The discussion navigates Trump’s turbulent presidency, focusing on the disconnect between the White House and everyday citizens facing economic challenges. It also touches on the role of loyalty in politics, evolving dynamics in the Democratic Party, and the complexities of U.S. foreign policy, especially regarding Ukraine and Israel.
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Trump's Self-Inflicted Political Wounds
- Donald Trump's early presidency showed a strong start but quickly turned into a series of self-inflicted political wounds.
- His tariff policies especially alienated his supporters by threatening economic harm.
Tariffs Harm Small Businesses
- Trump's tariff policies are destroying American businesses dependent on imports through tight margins.
- This pursuit is based on unsound economic theories disproven since the 1930s.
Trump's Poll Drop is Self-Made
- Trump's poll decline stems from his own choices, not Democratic opposition.
- His erratic policy in tariffs and immigration alienates voters who initially supported him.