The Daily Beast Podcast Trump's Twisted Move to Distract from Epstein
8 snips
Aug 13, 2025 
Michael Wolff, a best-selling author known for his works on Donald Trump, shares provocative insights on the former president's tactics to divert attention from the Jeffrey Epstein scandal. The conversation highlights Trump's willingness to negotiate controversial deals, including potential concessions in Ukraine. Wolff also discusses the chaotic dynamics within Trump's administration, revealing the influence of key figures like Jared Kushner and Steve Bannon. With humor and sharp analysis, they dissect how geopolitics intertwine with Trump's narrative manipulation and public image.
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Trump Driven By Character, Not Policy
- Michael Wolff says Trump's motives are personal and performative rather than political.
- He argues Trump's decisions flow from craving attention and dominance, not policy logic.
West Wing Memory With Bannon
- Wolff recounts sitting in the West Wing with Steve Bannon in July 2017 and observing early White House dynamics.
- He uses that time to illustrate how Bannon initially thought Trump would lose to institutions.
Institutions Have Yielded To Trump
- Wolff and Coles argue institutions have been weakened under Trump and the Republican Party has rallied behind him.
- They suggest this shift has allowed Trump to squeeze democratic institutions unexpectedly.
