The Daily Beast Podcast Pentagon Pete Will Be First Big Scalp of Trump 2.0
Oct 16, 2025
Join Daily Beast DC correspondents David Gardner and Sarah Ewall-Wice as they dive into Trump's ambitious plans for a $200 million 'Arc de Trump' along the Potomac. They discuss how this project reveals Trump's legacy ambitions and the mounting confusion in Washington's political landscape. The duo also tackles Pentagon press restrictions under Pete Hegseth, examining the fallout from leaked information and how reporters are banding together against tight controls, making for a riveting discussion on power and truth in the nation's capital.
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Monumental Legacy-Building
- Trump treats monuments and buildings as legacy projects to literalize his brand in Washington.
- The Arc de Trump renderings show he aims to remake the D.C. skyline in his image before big national anniversaries.
Real Estate Equals Reputation
- Trump defines himself by real estate and perceives physical projects as proof of success.
- David Gardner says Trump wants to create a new D.C. skyline as a visible legacy rather than cultural works.
Funding Is Murky
- Funding for Trump’s projects remains opaque with claims he will pay and simultaneous donor solicitation.
- Journalists note uncertainty about who donates and what donors receive in return for contributions.