Commonwealth Club of California Podcast Jonathan Karl: Donald Trump and His Campaign of Retribution
Dec 23, 2025
Jonathan Karl, Chief Washington correspondent for ABC News and bestselling author, dives deep into the whirlwind of Donald Trump's second campaign. He shares gripping behind-the-scenes stories of election chaos, from Biden's unexpected withdrawal to allegations of assassination attempts. Karl highlights the shift in Trump's administration prioritizing loyalty and discusses the relentless news cycle reporters face. With insights on the future of American politics, he raises concerns about democracy's vulnerabilities and the evolving roles of political figures like J.D. Vance.
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Unexpected Cellphone Conversation
- Jonathan Karl describes calling Donald Trump on his cell phone after the Butler shooting and getting a 15-minute surprise call back.
- The exchange shows Trump's volatile mix of warmth and sudden anger in private conversations.
Crushing News Tonnage
- Jonathan Karl describes the news flow under Trump as overwhelming, with many major stories competing and vanishing quickly.
- Even world-shaking comments can become one of ten items in a 24-hour cycle, straining reporters' capacity.
Loyalty Over Credentials
- Jonathan Karl says demonstrated loyalty now often outweighs credentials in White House appointments.
- Trump prefers loyalists even when they lack traditional experience or background.