THE DAILY BLAST with Greg Sargent
Trump’s Angry DOGE Defense Backfires at Presser as More Bad Polls Hit
Feb 25, 2025
Writer Susan Milligan, known for her sharp political analysis at The New Republic, joins to discuss Trump's recent press conference defending Elon Musk’s controversial email. They explore how Trump's chaotic defense might tarnish his image as a strong leader amid plummeting approval ratings. Milligan delves into the implications of Republicans branding Trump as a 'daddy' figure, and how his behavior contrasts with traditional GOP values. The conversation also touches on Trump's fraught global relationships and governance challenges.
22:08
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Quick takeaways
- Trump's defense of Musk's directive reflects his desperation to maintain authority amid declining poll numbers and economic dissatisfaction.
- The portrayal of Trump as a 'strong daddy figure' is increasingly challenged by perceptions of chaos and incompetence within his administration.
Deep dives
Trump's Support for Musk's Government Initiative
Donald Trump defended Elon Musk’s controversial email to federal employees that instructed them to list recent accomplishments, suggesting that non-responses would be viewed as resignations. He portrayed the directive as a necessary measure to ensure accountability within the government, despite pushback from various officials who claimed it was unnecessary. Trump's enthusiasm for this approach signals his desperation to support Musk amid growing criticism and decline in poll numbers regarding the economy. This confusion, stemming from Musk’s communication, seems to reflect Trump's frustration with any challenges to his authority and deteriorating public confidence in his leadership.
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