The Daily Beast Podcast Trump Going off His Rocker as Judges Say No: Wolff
Sep 5, 2025
Michael Wolff, an insightful chronicler of the Trump era, joins Joanna Coles to dissect Trump’s furious reactions to judicial setbacks, particularly regarding his tariffs. They discuss how these challenges unveil Trump's authoritarian tendencies and his attempts to sidestep constitutional limits. The conversation navigates the broader implications for American democracy, from the threats posed by unilateral decisions to the future of political discourse in a post-Trump landscape. Wolff's observations on Trump's psychological dynamics add a compelling layer to this critical analysis.
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Episode notes
Playful Opening Sets Tone
- Joanna Coles and Michael Wolff open with a playful exchange to set a conversational tone.
- They use a school-bus metaphor to invite listeners on a tour 'inside Donald Trump's head.'
Unilateral Tariffs Clash With Courts
- Michael Wolff argues Trump's tariff decisions are unilateral and not grounded in normal process or law.
- Courts ruled against those tariffs, exposing a clash between presidential impulse and legal constraints.
'No' Triggers Rage And Retaliation
- Wolff says Trump cannot accept being told 'no' and reacts with rage when blocked by institutions.
- That rage drives him to try to upend decisions and punish opponents rather than adapt or negotiate.
