GD POLITICS Judging Trump 2.0 By His Own Standards
Jan 21, 2026
Gabe Fleischer, a political commentator and author of Wake Up To Politics, joins the discussion to assess the first year of Trump's second term. They explore Trump's 'unleashed' presidency and how rapid-fire announcements bewilder Congress and the public. The duo debates immigration policy successes, economic fallout from tariffs, and the mixed results of Trump's anti-elite promises. They also analyze the shifting foreign policy dynamics and the pivotal role of courts amidst numerous legal challenges, raising questions for the future.
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Press Packet And A Crowded Press Room
- Galen describes attending a Trump press conference with a “365 wins in 365 days” packet and leaving because he couldn't see.
- He uses the visual gag to open the conversation about Trump's first year back in office.
Unleashed Rhetoric, Uneven Follow-Through
- Gabe Fleischer describes Trump 2.0 as “unleashed” before decisions but variably constrained after they are announced.
- That dynamic creates constant chaos and disorients agencies, Congress, and the public.
Three Voter Drivers That Brought Trump Back
- Gabe Fleischer identifies inflation, immigration, and anti-elite backlash as the three core drivers of Trump's 2024 victory.
- Those three axes produce distinct success levels in policy and public reaction.