The Daily Beast Podcast Why Trump Is Using a Moron to Run His 'War': Wolff
7 snips
Dec 7, 2025 
Michael Wolff, an acclaimed author and journalist known for his incisive looks at American politics, joins Joanna Coles to discuss the chaos within Trump's administration. They criticize Pete Hegseth’s handling of military decisions and the dangerous implications of a leader who avoids tough questions. Wolff highlights Trump's troubling short attention span regarding foreign policy, while also exploring the bizarre connections in RFK Jr.’s rise. The conversation dives deep into the administrative turmoil and the vulnerabilities it creates for the presidency.
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Shallow Leadership Risks Policy Collapse
- Michael Wolff argues Trump's team often lacks curiosity and depth, leaving aides scrambling to explain basic matters.
- This surface-level leadership endangers policy coherence and loyalty within his administration.
Political Theater Endangers Military Trust
- Wolff and Coles condemn the drone strike on small unarmed boats as politically performative, not strategically necessary.
- They warn such one-sided civilian orders erode military trust and have severe career and legal consequences.
Hegseth Labeled Incompetent By Insiders
- Wolff recounts how military insiders call Pete Hegseth an "absolute moron" and criticize his lack of experience.
- He notes Hegseth publicly admitted surprise at basic budget constraints, revealing managerial incompetence.
