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Slate News

What Next | Hello Trumpworld

Jan 20, 2025
Ben Mathis-Lilly, a senior writer at Slate, offers keen insights into the new dynamics of Trumpworld. He discusses the surreal political landscape leading up to the inauguration and the emergence of MAGA 2.0, highlighting key figures and internal conflicts within Trump’s camp. The conversation delves into the complex leadership dynamics influenced by Susie Wiles and the tensions stirred by Steve Bannon. Mathis-Lilly also explores the rift in the GOP, examining how populism reshapes party power and social media's role in future political conflicts.
29:38

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Trump's influence continues to pervade political decisions, revealing a significant power vacuum affecting governance under President Biden.
  • The emergence of 'MAGA 2.0' showcases ideological rifts between traditional Republican values and the new agendas of influential figures like Elon Musk.

Deep dives

The Continuity of Political Dynamics

The transition of power exemplifies a sense of continuity in political dynamics, despite the inauguration of Donald Trump. The feeling of déjà vu has permeated the atmosphere, with Trump's presence still dominating the political landscape even before his official swearing-in. This has led to a perception of a power vacuum where Trump's influence seemingly continues to shape decisions made by incoming President Joe Biden, indicating that the political limbo is not merely anecdotal but impacts real governance. The inauguration, while characterized as routine, holds an underlying tension related to Trump's controversial past and the expectations for bipartisan cooperation that seem unlikely.

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