The Daily Beast Podcast Trump's Staff Are Questioning His Mental Stability
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Dec 17, 2025 
Michael Wolff, a keen observer of U.S. politics and author, joins Joanna Coles to dissect recent events surrounding Trump’s administration. They discuss the troubling Vanity Fair profile that raised eyebrows about chief of staff Susie Wiles’ strategy. Wolff expresses concern over Trump’s alarming reaction to the tragic murder of Rob Reiner and his wife, suggesting a troubling shift in his mental state. They ponder the implications of self-destructive behavior on the stability of his presidency, leaving listeners questioning how long such chaos can persist.
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Hosts' Casual Opening Exchange
- Joanna Coles and Michael Wolff opened with light corrections and personal driving anecdotes.
- Their banter establishes the show's informal, conversational tone before serious topics.
Administrator, Not Gatekeeper
- Susie Wiles functions as a chief administrator who manages fallout rather than preventing it.
- Michael Wolff argues that her survival depends on enabling Trump's behavior, not controlling it.
Profiles Can Backfire
- Vanity Fair profiles can elevate someone by bestowing historic seriousness on their role.
- Wolff warns that subjects often misjudge interviews and accidentally create harmful pull-quotes.