The Bunker – News without the nonsense Best of 2025 – Mob Rule – How the Mafia influences the White House
Dec 28, 2025
In this enlightening discussion, guest Eric Dezenhall, an author and crisis communications expert with a personal connection to New Jersey's organized crime, dives into the historical ties between U.S. presidents and the mob. He shares fascinating stories of how political machines have influenced national politics, revealing paradoxes where presidents benefited from mob connections before later cracking down on them. Eric also compares modern corruption with past dealings, specifically analyzing Trump's unique relationship with organized crime and how influence is wielded today.
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Local Machines, Not Midnight Meetings
- Organized crime influenced presidents mainly via local political machines and practical needs rather than secret Oval Office deals.
- Presidents often benefited indirectly from mafia ties without direct, provable quid pro quo arrangements.
Manage Perception, Not Just Facts
- Focus on what people believe to be true, not only factual truth, because perception drives the story.
- Treat narratives as powerful forces in crisis management and politics.
FDR, Luciano And A Double Cross
- Lucky Luciano, Meyer Lansky and Frank Costello backed FDR on condition he leave them alone, then FDR prosecuted them anyway.
- Luciano later called FDR a "no good... double crosser" for that betrayal.