The Brian Lehrer Show Friday Morning Politics: Trump's Chief of Staff; Venezuela; Economic Woes
Dec 19, 2025
Jonathan Lemire, a political reporter for The Atlantic and co-host of MSNBC's Morning Joe, delves into key political dynamics of the week. He discusses the significance of Susie Wiles' candid Vanity Fair interview, revealing potential rifts within Trump’s circle. Lemire also analyzes the implications of the Venezuela blockade, economic woes affecting the administration, and the ongoing healthcare debates. Additionally, he shares insights on the risks of U.S. policy towards Russia, all while critiquing Trump's legacy in Washington.
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Chief Of Staff's Candid Profile
- Susie Wiles helped professionalize Trump’s operation but recently broke message discipline with a candid Vanity Fair profile.
- Jonathan Lemire says her candor revealed internal dynamics and didn’t appear to cost her job immediately.
Admissions On Politicized Prosecutions And Venezuela
- Wiles publicly acknowledged that many prosecutions are politically motivated and that regime change in Venezuela is an explicit goal.
- Lemire found it striking that the White House chief of staff would admit these objectives on the record.
Tariffs Are Politically Costly
- Tariffs have harmed many Americans and businesses, forcing the administration to tweak policies with rebates and bailouts.
- Lemire says the White House is adjusting because voters care more about affordability than symbolic actions.