The Opinions What Is Going on With Trump?
27 snips
Dec 4, 2025 
Bret Stephens, an Opinion columnist for The New York Times known for his insight on politics, and Frank Bruni, a contributing writer and author, dive into the evolving landscape of Trump's influence. They dissect the gap between Trump's priorities and voter concerns, exploring what Trumpism might look like without Trump. The duo also debates whether centrism can be charismatic enough to rally support and analyzes North Carolina's political dynamics. Additionally, they tackle U.S. foreign policy, focusing on Venezuela and the implications for global order.
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Economics Still Trumps Foreign Policy
- Voters judge presidents on bread-and-butter issues like affordability more than foreign policy theater.
- Bret Stephens and Frank Bruni note Trump's foreign focus may matter less to everyday voters than living costs.
Second-Term Pivot To Legacy Politics
- Second-term presidents often pivot to foreign policy and seek legacy projects rather than daily politics.
- Bret Stephens argues Trump is behaving like a typical second-term president focusing on global legacy.
Multiple Futures For Trumpism
- Trumpism can splinter into multiple futures without Trump, from isolationist populism to a restored 'normie' Republicanism or a more extreme illiberal movement.
- Stephens warns all three directions are possible and may coexist after Trump's exit.