The Daily Beast Podcast This is Why Trump Can't Shut Up and Listen: Wolff
10 snips
Aug 22, 2025 
Michael Wolff, a Trump chronicler and author renowned for 'Fire and Fury', delves into the chaotic communication style of Donald Trump. He discusses how Trump tends to dominate conversations and eschews listening, creating a chaotic Oval Office atmosphere. Wolff shares surreal stories, like ignored PowerPoints from generals and lengthy phone calls that turned tedious. He reflects on Melania Trump’s cryptic note to Putin and highlights the cultural divides and mental health issues in today's political landscape, illustrating a portrait of Trump that merges nostalgia with modern chaos.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Trump's 'Wall Of Sound' Blocks Information
- Michael Wolff argues Trump blocks incoming information by not reading or listening.
- That creates a self-contained “wall of sound” where nothing substantive gets through.
Cover Story Scribble As Faux Reading
- Michael Wolff recounts Trump marking up Wolff's 2016 cover story with a brief compliment.
- The scribbled praise served as proof Susie Wiles's claim he reads something is misleading.
Longstanding Aversion To Receiving Information
- Steve Bannon framed Trump's behavior as a lifelong battle against information.
- Wolff links this to Trump avoiding being told things and creating one-way broadcasts.
