The Daily Beast Podcast Paranoid Trump Haunted by Epstein's Ghost: Wolff
Oct 1, 2025
Michael Wolff, a seasoned author and journalist renowned for his insights into the Trump White House, shares a fascinating look at how Jeffrey Epstein's legacy haunts Donald Trump. He discusses Trump's erratic behavior, linking it to a fear of loyalty challenges after a meeting with military leaders. Wolff also examines Trump’s obsession with image, including quirky dress codes for the military. The conversation dives into the intriguing dynamics of civilian control over the military and Trump's long-standing grievances against James Comey.
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Epstein Is Trump’s Core Vulnerability
- Michael Wolff argues Jeffrey Epstein is the single obvious political vulnerability for Donald Trump.
- Wolff says Epstein-related secrecy haunts Trump and explains many of his actions and fears.
Appearance And Image Drive Policy Choices
- Wolff says Trump's obsession with appearance drives White House rules like dress codes and beard bans.
- He links those edicts to Trump's television-casting view of America and nostalgia for a past image.
Civilians Seen As Unstable, Military As Reasonable
- Wolff highlights a reversal where military leaders are seen as the reasonable actors and civilian leaders as irrational.
- He warns this undermines constitutional norms that place civilians over the military.
