The Daily Beast Podcast

Trump’s Not in Charge. This Is Who Really Is.

20 snips
May 18, 2025
David Rothkopf, a seasoned columnist for The Daily Beast and former editor of Foreign Policy, dives deep into the power dynamics behind the Oval Office. He discusses Trump’s unconventional approach to intelligence briefings, revealing how personal biases shape national security. Rothkopf warns of the decline in presidential authority and critiques the implications of Trump’s foreign policy. With the midterms approaching, he unpacks Democratic challenges and Trump's shifting political role, leaving listeners contemplating the future of American democracy.
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INSIGHT

Trump Skips Intelligence Briefings

  • Trump rarely attends intelligence briefings and prefers simplified reports with more visuals.
  • This shows his disinterest in detailed facts and reliance on impulsive beliefs over expert advice.
INSIGHT

Trump's Falling Global Power

  • Trump's global influence has severely declined; Xi Jinping now surpasses him.
  • Trump undermines U.S. alliances and leadership, weakening America's international power.
INSIGHT

Trump’s Anti-Democracy Stance

  • Trump is no longer the democracy champion and aligns with autocrats like Putin.
  • His administration considers suspending foundational legal rights, signaling anti-democratic tendencies.
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