The New Abnormal

Adam Mockler joins Joanna Coles on the Daily Beast Podcast to break down the chaos consuming Donald Trump's Republican Party, from Ken Paxton blaming Trump for wrecking his Senate campaign to the spectacular Jack Smith hearing blunder that left GOP senators scrambling. Mockler reveals what really happened before and after his explosive CNN clash with Scott Jennings, explains why Trump's costly war with Iran has failed to deliver a single meaningful concession, and argues that Democrats need more than an anti-Trump message to win back disillusioned voters. He and Joanna also take aim at Trump's bizarre attempt to rebrand artificial intelligence while tech titans line up behind him and stay dissect new photos of a furious Trump berating Natalie Harp. #ad For a limited time, get 60% off your first order, plus free shipping and free treats for life, when you head to https://Smalls.com/BEAST. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Michael Wolff and Joanna Coles dig into what Donald Trump's political future looks like as the midterms approach, from Republicans increasingly distancing themselves from Trump to his apparent determination to double down rather than retreat. They examine Trump's taxpayer-funded campaign ad, the Texas Senate race, and the growing fight over AI data centers before turning to the darker story of Jeffrey Epstein—and Wolff's firsthand account of Epstein's fear of Trump becoming president, the collapse of their friendship, and the extraordinary events surrounding Epstein's arrest and death. As Wolff revisits what Epstein told him about Trump and why he believed his old friend was capable of anything, the conversation opens up a much darker side of Trump's history that is impossible to ignore. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Daily Beast's Chief Global Affairs Columnist predicts what is about to happen to Donald Trump: A bubble-bursting moment when he gets confronted with reality. He tells Joanna Coles about what we can all learn from the moment Trump got heckled on a golf course on Sunday, and what to take out of what the president betrayed on a hot mic at the same event. #ad For a limited time, get 60% off your first order, plus free shipping and free treats for life, when you head to https://Smalls.com/BEAST. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Anand Giridharadas returns to the Daily Beast Podcast to discuss his new book, Man in the Mirror, and the three years he spent reporting on the fatal subway encounter between Jordan Neely and Daniel Penny. Giridharadas takes Joanna Coles inside a story that became a national Rorschach test, exploring race, homelessness, mental illness, public safety, fear, dehumanization, and the difficulty of making sense of a morally complicated event in an era of simple slogans. He also reveals what he learned from following the people at the center of the case, including Daniel Penny's Marine Corps training, the NYPD detectives who questioned him, and the outreach workers trying to help people living on the streets. Then the conversation takes an unexpected turn toward the Epstein files, as Giridharadas connects the sense of abandonment he found on that subway car to what he sees as a defining political emotion in America today. #ad Save 20% off Honeylove by going to https://honeylove.com/DAILYBEAST! #honeylovepod #ad Start a free trial and get 50% off your first year of Monarch Core at https://monarch.com with code BEAST. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Michael Wolff and Joanna Coles take a closer look at Donald Trump's encounter with Xi Jinping and what China may have learned from a president they see as unusually susceptible to flattery, especially when it comes to the delicate question of Taiwan. They also dissect Melania Trump's new women's network, the growing role of billionaires around the White House, and the extraordinary rise of Kimberly Guilfoyle from Fox News to ambassador to Greece, including the business and personal relationships now surrounding her diplomatic role. Then, the conversation turns to Trump's escalating fight with the press and the uncertain future of CNN as its ownership changes hands, before Wolff and Coles weigh in on the memoirs of Bob Chapek and Ari Emanuel and what they reveal about a rapidly changing media and entertainment industry. #ad INCOGNI Deal: To get an exclusive 60% off an annual Incogni plan, go to https://incogni.com/beast

Joanna Coles and Hugh Dougherty dig into Donald Trump's extraordinary welcome for Chinese President Xi Jinping, from the red-carpet spectacle and lavish state dinner to the tensions over Taiwan, Iran, and China's support for Tehran. They examine what Xi's carefully chosen language of the “Thucydides Trap” reveals about the increasingly complicated U.S.-China relationship, and why the White House's embrace of Chinese power looks so striking alongside Trump's attacks on Beijing. Then, with the midterms looming, Hugh breaks down the Republican panic showing up in key races across the country, where money is shifting and some GOP candidates appear eager to keep Trump at arm's length. Plus, the escalating fight between Trump and the press, the White House's attempt to restrict CNN's access, the media's decision to stand together, and Trump's launch of his own 24/7 “Trump TV”—before Joanna and Hugh get into the bizarre resemblance between Ivanka Trump and Natalie Harp that had everyone doing a double take. #ad Save 20% off Honeylove by going to https://honeylove.com/DAILYBEAST! #honeylovepod #ad Start a free trial and get 50% off your first year of Monarch Core at https://monarch.com with code BEAST. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Michael Wolff and Joanna Coles unpack Trump's latest threats to “annihilate” Iran, including the bizarre White House effort to find him a new word after “obliterate” apparently lost its punch. They discuss Trump's UN week showdown with world leaders, Xi Jinping's visit to the White House, Melania Trump's new women's initiative, and RFK Jr.'s extraordinary $4 million book deal. They also examine the devastating testimony from families affected by ICE shootings in Minneapolis and what it could mean as the midterms approach, before turning to the widening Republican Senate map and the chaos surrounding Trump's proposed White House ballroom. With Trump declaring “I am the code” as questions swirl around the building's safety regulations, Michael and Joanna trace the larger pattern behind a president who refuses to accept limits, rules or anyone telling him what he can and cannot do. #ad INCOGNI Deal: To get an exclusive 60% off an annual Incogni plan, go to https://incogni.com/beast

Luke Harding, author of the new book Betrayal: Trump, Putin and The New Age of Conquest, speaks with Joanna Coles about the decades-long relationship between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin, and the Russian intelligence operation that Harding argues helped cultivate Trump as a potential target for influence. Harding traces Trump's early connections to Moscow, the murky financial dealings that followed, and the compromising information that may give Putin leverage over the president, including what could have been captured during Trump's visits to Russia. He also explains why Russia viewed Trump's 2016 victory as a historic intelligence triumph, how Trump's approach to Ukraine has benefited Putin, and why Russia and China see an opportunity to reshape the global order. Harding reveals what he experienced firsthand while reporting in Moscow, including the surveillance and intimidation campaign that ultimately led to his expulsion, before turning to the startling possibility that Russian state television has used Melania Trump as a warning to her husband. #ad If you're ever injured in an accident, you can check out Morgan & Morgan. You can start your claim in just a click without having to leave your couch: https://ForThePeople.com/DAILYBEAST Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Michael Wolff and Joanna Coles return to dissect Donald Trump's latest battle with the press, his launch of Trump TV, and the high-stakes arrival of Chinese President Xi Jinping at the White House. They examine why Trump keeps turning the media into his enemy, what his escalating wars and increasingly precarious relationship with China could mean for the United States, and how a meeting with Xi could reshape the balance of power around Taiwan and beyond. They also look at Trump's claims about military installations, his reliance on spectacle and conflict to dominate the news cycle, and the looming midterms, where Democrats may be tempted to read too much into Trump's current political troubles. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

David Rothkopf joins Joanna Coles to explore the latest chaos inside Trump's White House, from the unprecedented standoff between the president and the White House press corps to the growing influence of Natalie Harp and Trump's obsession with controlling his media coverage. They also dig into Trump's looming UN appearance, his delicate balancing act with Saudi Arabia and the Houthis, and the bizarre FBI controversy over bestiality rules that has become a symbol of the administration's increasingly unconventional approach to government. Plus, Rothkopf takes aim at Pete Hegseth's vision for a hyper-masculine military, Trump's proposed national-security projects—including a bizarre triumphal arch—and the deeper frustration he says is building among America's national-security professionals. As Trump heads into a week of high-stakes meetings and global diplomacy, Rothkopf explains why the spectacle surrounding the president may be funny one moment and dangerously consequential the next. #ad Get 15% off OneSkin with the code BEAST at https://www.oneskin.co/BEAST   #oneskinpod #ad If you're ever injured in an accident, you can check out Morgan & Morgan. You can start your claim in just a click without having to leave your couch: https://ForThePeople.com/DAILYBEAST Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Terry Moran joins Joanna Coles on the Daily Beast Podcast to discuss his recent trip to Iowa, where voters are growing increasingly frustrated with Donald Trump over the rising cost of living, soaring energy prices, and a shrinking sense of possibility. Moran reveals what he learned from farmers and young people in a state that once embraced Trump, and why their dissatisfaction may not translate into renewed faith in the Democratic Party. He also opens up about his departure from ABC News, the pressures facing legacy media, and why fear and corporate interests are shaping coverage of the White House. Moran and Coles examine the questions surrounding Trump's health, the influence of Natalie Harp, and Melania Trump's conspicuous absence from public life before turning to the chaos inside the Pentagon, Pete Hegseth's future, and the growing role of social media in the administration. As the conversation looks ahead to 2028, Moran weighs the potential of figures like Gavin Newsom, JB Pritzker, and Jon Ossoff, and explains why the next generation of political leaders may need to restore something Americans are increasingly missing: a sense of seriousness and possibility. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Michael Wolff and Joanna Coles dig into what may be the most revealing signs yet of a White House struggling to manage Donald Trump, as his own advisers begin publicly pushing back on his dismissal of AI concerns and his refusal to confront Republican vulnerability ahead of the midterms. They examine Trump's increasingly personal battle with the Kennedy Center, including his reported plans to demolish it, before turning to his fixation on 1950s battleships, the Supreme Court, and the idea that everyone in government ultimately works for him. They also discuss the Epstein files, soaring gas prices, the fallout from the Iran war, Trump's claims about Greenland, and the looming constitutional questions surrounding the next Congress. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Joanna Coles and Daily Beast executive editor Hugh Dougherty discuss Mitch McConnell's mysterious return to the Senate after 92 days away, the disturbing questions surrounding his health, and the obscure Senate rules that may be keeping his condition out of public view. They examine the growing cracks in the Republican Party as longtime conservatives turn against Donald Trump, from Karl Rove's decision to back a Democrat in Texas to the political backlash over immigration enforcement in Florida and beyond. Plus, ICE's leadership chaos, the fallout from Pete Hegseth's tumultuous tenure at the Pentagon, and the growing influence of his wife, Jennifer, who has earned some very revealing nicknames inside the department. And as questions mount about Trump's own health and the strange bulge spotted beneath his jacket, Joanna and Hugh take a closer look at the White House's refusal to provide answers, the administration's attacks on The Daily Beast, and what may be happening behind the scenes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Michael Wolff and Joanna Coles examine Donald Trump's growing political troubles as rising prices, escalating tensions in the Middle East, and his own economic policies threaten to make affordability his biggest liability ahead of the midterms. They discuss Trump's pressure on the Federal Reserve, the consequences of his tariffs and war policies, and why his administration's approach may be fueling the very problems he claims he wants to solve. Plus, Melania Trump's surprising enthusiasm for AI, the latest turmoil at the Kennedy Center, and the court's refusal to let Trump put his name on the building. They also take a closer look at Kash Patel's purge of senior FBI agents, the changing standards for joining the bureau, and Lee Greenwood's wife's nomination as ambassador to Barbados. As Trump surrounds himself with loyalists and pushes aside voices that might challenge him, Michael and Joanna consider whether his own decision-making is setting the stage for a political reckoning. #ad Ready to reach your goals? Visit https://hims.com/ith to get a personalized, affordable plan that gets you. #ad Try QUO for free plus get 20% off your first 6 months at https://www.quo.com/BEAST. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Steve Schmidt returns to the Daily Beast Podcast to discuss the mounting political and ethical scandals surrounding Donald Trump, JD Vance, and the president's inner circle as the midterm elections approach. Speaking with Daily Beast executive editor Hugh Dougherty, Schmidt takes aim at the alleged corruption surrounding Donald Trump Jr.'s Russian-linked wedding, the kidnapping of Ukrainian children, and the Trump administration's handling of the war in Iran. He lays out his vision for how Democrats should use congressional power to restore checks and balances, hold officials like Pete Hegseth accountable, and investigate the administration's actions. Schmidt also weighs in on the Democratic candidates to watch, the growing backlash against MAGA, and the economic pressures threatening to reshape the political landscape. #ad Ready to reach your goals? Visit https://hims.com/beast to get a personalized, affordable plan that gets you. #ad INCOGNI Deal: To get an exclusive 60% off an annual Incogni plan, go to https://incogni.com/beast

Michael Wolff and Joanna Coles look at Donald Trump's escalating battles with the Supreme Court, the collapse of the Kennedy Center under his control, and his increasingly aggressive response to the AI debate, where Trump has declared that “whoever wins AI wins” while threatening critics and accusing them of conspiracy. They also examine Trump's rollback of climate protections, his approach to conflict as a political strategy, and the extraordinary allegations surrounding Donald Trump Jr.'s wedding and its Russian connections. Plus, Trump's threat against Oman, the consequences of burning through missile supplies in Iran, Jared Kushner's transformation of American diplomacy into a business operation, and what a post-Trump administration could look like if Democrats make major gains in the midterms. #ad Unlock your best hair & skin with @iRestorelaser and HUGE savings on iRESTORE with code BEAST  at https://irestore.com/BEAST! #irestorepod  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Joanna Coles and David Rothkopf dive into Donald Trump's bizarre trip to Ireland, from his increasingly public reliance on aide Natalie Harp to his stunning comments about a united Ireland, before turning to the explosive new revelations surrounding Don Jr.'s Kremlin-linked wedding. Rothkopf traces the Trump family's decades-long connections to Russian money, boxing, oligarchs, and corruption, arguing that the same forces shaping the president today have been there all along. They also take a look at Trump's enormous new White House ballroom, the latest battle over the Kennedy Center, and his embrace of what Rothkopf calls a “Doomsday President” agenda—from AI and climate change to pandemics and nuclear weapons. But as the midterms approach, there may finally be a reason for optimism, with a new generation of Democrats—including Georgia Senate candidate Jon Ossoff—offering a potential path out of the Trump era. #ad Get 15% off OneSkin with the code BEAST at https://www.oneskin.co/BEAST   #oneskinpod  #ad Unlock your best hair & skin with @iRestorelaser and HUGE savings on iRESTORE with code DAILYBEAST  at https://irestore.com/DAILYBEAST ! #irestorepod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jacob Weisberg, author of the new book Profiles in Cowardice, speaks with Joanna Coles about the powerful Americans and institutions that once stood up to Donald Trump and what changed when he returned to office. Weisberg explains why Jeff Bezos went from resisting Trump to accommodating him, how Chief Justice John Roberts helped expand presidential power, and why Mitch McConnell may have had the clearest opportunity to prevent Trump's second term. They also discuss Megyn Kelly's transformation from a journalist who confronted Trump into a major MAGA voice, the pressures driving business leaders, universities and law firms to capitulate, and the dangerous short-term thinking behind those choices. But Weisberg argues that the story is bigger than eight individuals: courage and cowardice are contagious, and the willingness of institutions to stand together may determine whether they can withstand an increasingly coercive presidency. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Michael Wolff and Joanna Coles unpack Donald Trump's trip to Ireland, his apparent struggle to stay awake at a 9/11 memorial, and the increasingly conspicuous signs that the president's hold on his party may be starting to weaken. They dig into JD Vance's careful balancing act between loyalty to Trump and positioning himself as his successor, including the growing machinery behind a potential 2028 campaign, before turning to RFK Jr.'s surprisingly commanding performance at the Republican mini-convention and the extraordinary political path that brought him into Trump's orbit. Ted Cruz also makes his inevitable return, while Trump's own reaction to the prospect of a Republican successor looms over the entire discussion. Finally, Michael and Joanna take a close look at the new E. Jean Carroll documentary, her decision to come forward, the consequences she faced, and why her story takes on an even more powerful dimension when told in her own words. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Joanna Coles and Hugh Dougherty take apart Trump's bizarre week of self-glorification and political humiliation  — from the half-empty “Trump-a-palooza” where his supporters were urged to “cheat like hell,” to the Republican candidate he publicly belittled and the disturbing threats of political violence echoing through the crowd. Then comes the confrontation with ABC's Rachel Scott, when Trump lunges into an angry tirade over his $5,000 checks, exposing a startling flash of the rage and intimidation that increasingly seems to be bubbling just beneath the surface. As Trump's war in Iran worsens and his social media outbursts grow increasingly unhinged, Hugh and Joanna ask whether we are watching a president unravel in real time. And on the 25th anniversary of 9/11, Trump's strangely low-energy appearance at the Pentagon—and his apparent struggle to engage with a day that isn't about him—provides an unsettling ending to one of the most revealing weeks yet. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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David Rothkopf joins Hugh Dougherty to confront Donald Trump's latest attempt to make America's darkest moments all about himself, from his grotesque rewriting of 9/11 to a Republican Party increasingly willing to lie, grovel, and look the other way to keep Trump in power. They take apart Trump's bizarre “Trump-a-palooza,” the dysfunction and sycophancy consuming the White House, and the powerful forces already positioning themselves for the next chapter of the MAGA movement. Rothkopf connects Trump's politics to the surging far right across Europe, Putin's ambitions in Ukraine, and the possibility of another Russian intervention before the midterms. Meanwhile, Mark Carney's rise as a symbol of resistance to Trump offers a striking glimpse at what American leadership used to look like. As the 25th anniversary of 9/11 approaches, Rothkopf delivers a sobering warning: the danger isn't simply Trump himself, but the movement, money, and ideology waiting to carry his legacy forward. #ad For a limited time, get 60% off your first order, plus free shipping and free treats for life, when you head to https://Smalls.com/BEAST. #ad Go to https://san.com/dailybeast to get the unbiased truth on the stories that matter, only on the Straight Arrow app. Let's exit the echo chamber. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Michael Wolff and Joanna Coles dissect Donald Trump's latest transformation, from his dramatically darker hair and increasingly bizarre AI images to the social-media strategy that has turned political spectacle into a powerful weapon. They look at Trump's influence on the surging far right across Europe, why Wolff believes Trump may be the cause rather than merely the symptom of the global populist wave, and whether a Russia-Ukraine peace deal could give Trump the ultimate midterm “October surprise.” They also examine the growing pressure on Pete Hegseth, the extraordinary purge of military leaders, and the leak-hunting campaign inside the Pentagon before turning to Mitch McConnell's continued absence, John Fetterman, and a new breed of politician who treats convention, competence, and even showing up for the job as optional. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Michael Wolff and Joanna Coles take on Donald Trump's increasingly bizarre relationship with Vladimir Putin as Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff head to Moscow, asking what Trump's Russia fixation is really about and why Putin seems so comfortable dealing directly with Trump's inner circle. They also dissect Trump's obsession with the Qatari plane, his plans to leave a permanent physical mark on the White House, and the latest battle over his triumphal arch. Then, Maria Bartiromo's sudden departure from Fox News opens a revealing discussion about her long relationship with Trump and the network's transformation under the Murdoch family, before Melania Trump's conspicuous absence from the GOP's midterm gathering raises fresh questions about the state of the Trump marriage. Finally, Wolff and Coles turn to the chaos at the Pentagon, where dozens of officials are being subjected to lie-detector tests as Pete Hegseth faces mounting questions about his leadership and the military's ability to function. #ad Free trial at https://shopify.com/dailybeast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this special episode of the Daily Beast Podcast, Joanna Coles brings together a revealing collection of conversations about the forces reshaping America, from the psychology and behavior of strongmen to the increasingly visible signs of political and institutional upheaval. Dr. Ruth Ben-Ghiat explains why authoritarian leaders become more paranoid and dangerous as they accumulate power, how corruption and humiliation become tools of control, and why she believes Donald Trump may be on a trajectory toward failure. Kurt Andersen discusses his new novel The Breakup, his vision of an America fractured by political violence, and why the country may be living through an American tragedy. Plus, Farrah Tomazin reports from Washington on Trump's physical transformation of the capital, the troubled Reflecting Pool project, and the surprisingly empty Great American State Fair. #ad Get 15% off OneSkin with the code BEAST at https://www.oneskin.co/BEAST #oneskinpod #ad Download the Kalshi app and use code TDB to get $20 when you trade $20. https://kalshi.com/r/tdb Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jennifer Welch, Nell Scovell and Joanna Coles take a sharp, often hilarious look at the women who have managed to get under Donald Trump's skin—from Taylor Swift and Rosie O'Donnell to E. Jean Carroll, Caitlin Collins and Marjorie Taylor Greene. They explore why Trump seems unable to tolerate women who reject him, challenge him or simply refuse to play along, and how his fixation on female approval exposes something deeper about his ego. Jennifer Welch also takes aim at the women and men surrounding Trump, from Melania and Ivanka to Susie Wiles, JD Vance and Marco Rubio, arguing that dysfunction, submission and entitlement are central to the Trump orbit. Nell revisits her bizarre connection to the E. Jean Carroll case, Trump's obsession with his own sex appeal, and the extraordinary history of women who have refused to flatter him—and paid a price for it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sarah Ewall-Wice joins Hugh Dougherty for a jaw-dropping tour through the latest scandals engulfing Trump's Washington, from Fox News star Maria Bartiromo's sudden firing after allegedly sharing internal network communications with the White House, to the extraordinary leaks exposing a growing revolt against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth inside the Pentagon. They reveal Hegseth's brutal new nickname, the military brass openly pushing back against his orders, and why the chaos could spell trouble for one of Trump's most controversial Cabinet picks. Then comes Trump's very own “Trumpapalooza” midterm spectacle, where vulnerable Republicans are scrambling to stay away—and Melania Trump' snub to said event. Sarah also brings the latest on Mitch McConnell's mysterious absence, the growing questions surrounding Susan Collins and John Fetterman, and the revelations about Fetterman blowing off veterans and a children's hospital while making time for Fox News. And just when the scandals seem impossible to top, Hugh and Sarah turn to the Inspector General's explosive findings about former Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer, involving a strip club, taxpayer-funded security, alleged drinking on the job, and an alleged affair that takes Trump-era Cabinet chaos to an entirely new level. #ad Go to https://leesa.com and use promo code DAILYBEAST for 30% off select mattresses plus an extra $50 off, exclusive for The Daily Beast Podcast listeners. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Michael Wolff and Joanna Coles look at Donald Trump's long-standing appetite for power, from his determination to get around courts and regulations to the possibility that he could use his enormous political war chest to maintain influence long after leaving office. They examine the growing crisis around Pete Hegseth, why Trump appears threatened by competence, and how the war with Iran is exposing deeper failures in American leadership. They also trace the economic risks tied to tariffs, interest rates and the massive AI boom, before turning to the increasingly volatile 2026 midterms, dark money, mail-in voting and the presence of U.S. Marshals at polling places. #ad Download SAILY's app and use code beast at checkout to get an exclusive 15% off your first purchase! For further details go to https://saily.com/beast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

James Carville returns to the Daily Beast Podcast with a blunt prediction for the midterms, arguing that Donald Trump's grip on Republicans could become their biggest liability as voters head to the polls. Carville weighs in on Republicans trying to distance themselves from Trump, the spectacle and price tag of Trump's upcoming Dallas convention, and why he believes Democrats should cover it relentlessly. He also delivers a stark warning about Pete Hegseth's impact on the military, argues that Trump could walk away from the presidency when Republicans turn on him, and makes a striking prediction about who will control the Senate in January. #ad Go to https://ro.co/dailybeast to see if you qualify and get started on Ro. For side effects of GLP-1 medications, including Boxed Warning, go to https://ro.co/safety Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Description Michael Wolff and Joanna Coles look at the extraordinary power dynamics surrounding Donald Trump, beginning with Melania Trump's increasingly independent role—and how she has managed to monetize the position of First Lady while largely avoiding its traditional obligations. They also examine Trump's White House ballroom and a Supreme Court decision that may allow construction to continue, the president's attacks on NBC's Kristen Welker and the growing fear his administration inspires across the media, and Pete Hegseth's purge of experienced military leaders at a moment of heightened global danger. Then the conversation turns to an unlikely political flashpoint: data centers, as growing public opposition to their enormous demands for power and water collides with Trump's fierce support for the AI industry—and his own financial interests. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

David Rothkopf joins Joanna Coles to expose the dark side of Donald Trump's Venezuela oil deal, which Rothkopf says is nothing less than a criminal shakedown disguised as a victory. They dig into Trump's bid to take control of Venezuela's vast oil reserves, the shady businessman and Rudy Giuliani connection at the center of the arrangement, and the billions of dollars whose ultimate destination remains a mystery. Rothkopf argues that Trump is turning the presidency into a personal money-making machine as his Iran war collapses, his poll numbers crater, and his political future grows increasingly precarious. And as the midterms approach, the question isn't just whether Trump can survive politically—it's what investigators may uncover if he loses. #ad Head to Superpower.com and use code DAILYBEAST at checkout for $20 off your membership. Unlock your new health intelligence. 100+ biomarkers. Every year. Detect early signs of 1,000+ conditions. #superpowerpod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

David Rothkopf joins Joanna Coles and Nell Scovell in their third installment of Inside Trump's Women for a revealing and often hilarious look at the women orbiting Donald Trump and the strange power dynamics inside his White House. From Natalie Harp's extraordinary devotion and Margo Martin's constant presence at Trump's side to Karoline Leavitt, Laura Loomer, and the formidable Susie Wiles, the trio traces the history of presidential “work wives” from JFK and Bill Clinton to the present day, asking what happens when professional loyalty, personal access, and raw power begin to blur. Rothkopf brings his own White House experience to the conversation, exposing the loneliness, paranoia, favoritism, and need for constant affirmation that can thrive inside the presidential bubble—and why the women closest to Trump may reveal more about his inner circle than anyone else. #ad Use code BEAST at the link below to get an exclusive 60% off an annual Incogni plan: https://incogni.com/beast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Michael Wolff and Joanna Coles look ahead to the midterms and ask whether Donald Trump's political dominance is finally starting to crack—or whether Democrats are getting ahead of themselves. They break down the unreliable polling, Trump's unusual ability to bring hesitant voters back to his side at the last moment, the races that could determine control of the House and Senate, and the surprising Republican confidence that they can hold key states including Texas. They also examine Trump's record of backing risky candidates like Ken Paxton, the enormous sums being poured into competitive races, and how Trump is already trying to shape the rules of the election through mail voting restrictions, redistricting and polling-place monitoring. But the most consequential question comes at the end: if Trump loses and declares the election rigged, will the people around him finally distance themselves—or once again follow him beyond the bounds of what is politically acceptable? #ad Head to https://Superpower.com and use code BEAST at checkout for $20 off your membership. Unlock your new health intelligence. 100+ biomarkers. Every year. Detect early signs of 1,000+ conditions. #superpowerpod  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sarah Ewall-Wice joins Joanna Coles to analyze the growing panic inside Trump's Washington as Republicans head toward the midterms with the President's brand increasingly looking like political poison. They dig into Karoline Leavitt's sudden White House exit, Trump's obsession with being his own best spokesperson, the mystery surrounding Barron Trump amid security threats, and the very different ways his children are handling life in the presidential spotlight. They also examine why Trump plans to skip the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 memorial, the questions surrounding his stamina and health, and the Republican candidates quietly scrubbing Trump from their campaigns. As affordability, inflation, the Iran war, and the Canada trade fight threaten to overwhelm the GOP, Sarah reveals why Republicans on the ground are increasingly distancing themselves from the President—and why Trump's bizarre distractions, from renaming lakes to remodeling Washington, may be a sign of just how desperate things have become. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Michael Wolff and Joanna Coles look at the latest signs of chaos inside Trump's White House, from the administration's fixation on interest rates and the tensions surrounding the Federal Reserve to the startling questions raised by the CIA chief's trip to Moscow and the Pentagon's increasingly strange leadership. They also turn to the extraordinary bubble surrounding Trump, including Natalie Harp's role in feeding him the information he wants to see, before considering what it all could mean as the 2026 midterms rapidly approach. #ad Ready to reach your goals? Visit https://hims.com/ith to get a personalized, affordable plan that gets you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nico Hines and Daily Beast political correspondent Farrah Tomazin discuss Donald Trump's increasingly risky strategy for the 2026 midterms, as the president looks to make himself the centerpiece of Republican campaigns despite growing concerns about his approval ratings, the economy, and his party's chances in key races. They break down Trump's control of a $400 million super PAC, his controversial intervention in Republican primaries, and the warning signs emerging from candidates he has backed—including a South Carolina race where Republican voters openly booed his name. They also examine the mystery surrounding Trump's massive political war chest and Karoline Leavitt's move from the White House to MAGA Inc., raising fresh questions about what Trump is building beyond the midterms. The episode then turns to Trump's health, his weight, stamina, and growing public references to his own mortality, with his age becoming an increasingly important factor as he prepares to put himself at the center of another election campaign. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Michael Wolff and Joanna Coles take on Donald Trump's latest fixation with image, power, and excess, from his apparent weight gain and the extraordinary Mar-a-Lago golf club buffet to the increasingly curious role of Natalie Harp and her place in Trump's orbit. They explore why Trump's celebrity, sexual bravado, and ability to attract devoted followers remain central to his political appeal, before turning to the explosive meeting between Jared Kushner and Hakeem Jeffries that has White House staffers furious and raises an awkward possibility for Trump's party heading into the midterms. They also look at Trump's ballroom project, the hidden military machinery beneath the White House, the fate of America's wild mustangs, and the larger cultural reckoning over football and brain injuries. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

David Rothkopf joins Joanna Coles for a blistering tour through Trump's increasingly chaotic presidency, from the icy public display between Donald and Melania Trump to the White House's seemingly endless staff exodus and the growing sense that the president's power is slipping away. They cover Trump's disastrous Iran war, the shifting alliances reshaping the Middle East, and Mark Carney's emergence as a formidable counterweight to Trump after Canada refuses to bend to his demands. Rothkopf also reveals why Jared Kushner's secret meetings with Democrats could signal panic inside Trumpworld, what Pete Hegseth's trip to Iowa says about his presidential ambitions, and why Trump's cabinet may be the most disastrous collection of officials in American history. As more countries, businesses and political opponents begin standing up to Trump, Rothkopf argues that the president's bullying tactics are finally backfiring—and that his transformation into a lame duck may already be underway. #ad Ready to reach your goals? Visit https://hims.com/beast to get a personalized, affordable plan that gets you. #ad NOBL gives you real travel peace of mind — security, design, and convenience all in one. Head to https://NOBLTravel.com for 46% off your entire order! #NOBL #ad Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Kurt Andersen and Joanna Coles take a wild ride through the strange characters, political fantasies, and very plausible futures shaping America right now. Andersen sizes up Natalie Harp as a figure so bizarre she could have stepped out of Dickens, Orwell, or The Simpsons, before revisiting his new novel's startling vision of Donald Trump's death and an America fractured beyond recognition. They debate whether the country's divisions could really lead to disunion, why fiction may be better equipped than nonfiction to capture this political moment, and whether Jon Ossoff has emerged as the Democrat to watch. Then, the conversation takes an even stranger turn as Andersen reviews his former coke dealer RFK Jr.'s unlikely new food podcast and what it might reveal about life after Trump. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Michael Wolff and Joanna Coles go inside a White House where Melania Trump's rare appearances, her increasingly lucrative personal brand, and her complicated relationship with Natalie Harp are raising fresh questions about who is really closest to the president. Wolff explains why the press took so long to catch up to the Harp story, why Trump's legal threats may be doing exactly what they're designed to do, and how his massive White House ballroom could become a permanent monument to his presidency before the courts ever make a final decision. Then, as Canada's Mark Carney walks away from Trump's demands, Wolff reveals why the president may be facing something he hates most: a world that is finally learning how to call his bluff. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sen. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) speaks with Joanna Coles about the ongoing war with Iran, warning that the Trump administration risks repeating the mistakes that sent him to Iraq as a young Marine—and could drag thousands more Americans into a conflict with no clear exit. Gallego takes aim at Donald Trump's handling of the military, Pete Hegseth's leadership at the Pentagon, the president's health and judgment, and the security concerns surrounding his inner circle. He also lays out why he believes Democrats could win back voters by focusing on the cost of living, corruption, and the concerns of Latino men who supported Trump but are now turning against his immigration policies. Plus, Gallego makes the case for giving parents more control over their children's social media use, reveals what he's hearing from Republicans about the Pentagon, and gives his most candid answer yet on whether a 2028 presidential run could be in his future. #ad Save 20% Off Honeylove by going to https://honeylove.com/DAILYBEAST! #honeylovepod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Michael Wolff and Joanna Coles go inside the increasingly bizarre inner workings of Donald Trump's presidency, beginning with Wolff's extraordinary account of Natalie Harp's deeply personal letters to Trump and the alarm they sparked among campaign staff and the Secret Service. They explore how Harp became one of the president's closest gatekeepers, what her influence says about the people surrounding him, and why Trump's White House remains driven by loyalty, proximity, and personal obsession. Then, as the war with Iran drags on without a clear endgame, Wolff and Coles turn to Pete Hegseth, his ever-present wife, and the mounting signs of dysfunction at the Pentagon before asking whether a presidency once defined by raw power is now slipping into something far more chaotic: outright farce. #ad If you're ever injured in an accident, you can check out Morgan & Morgan. You can start your claim in just a click without having to leave your couch: https://ForThePeople.com/ITH #ad Try QUO for free plus get 20% off your first 6 months at https://www.quo.com/BEAST. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Joanna Coles and Daily Beast executive editor Hugh Dougherty dig into the growing mystery around Natalie Harp, Donald Trump's increasingly powerful gatekeeper, and what her extraordinary access to the president reveals about his increasingly isolated White House. They examine Melania Trump's conspicuous absence, the strange dynamics inside Trump's family, and the questions surrounding Darlene Graham's Senate race as Trump's grip on Republican politics shows signs of weakening. They also get into the increasingly brutal competition to replace Karoline Leavitt as White House press secretary, including Scott Jennings' very public audition for the job and his secret meetings with Susie Wiles. #ad Save 20% Off Honeylove by going to https://honeylove.com/DAILYBEAST! #honeylovepod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Michael Wolff and Joanna Coles devote a special episode to Natalie Harp, the Trump loyalist who has risen from campaign aide to one of the most powerful people in the president's orbit. Wolff traces Harp's extraordinary rise, from following Trump around the golf course with a portable printer to controlling the information he sees, shaping his social media and becoming a gatekeeper for members of Congress, the media and even people inside the White House. They examine the intensely personal relationship that has made Harp seemingly indispensable to Trump, the concerns she has sparked among his closest advisers and family, and the growing tension between Harp and Melania Trump. As Melania becomes increasingly absent from the White House, Wolff reveals why some insiders believe Harp has deliberately positioned herself as the woman closest to Trump - and why the battle for influence inside the White House may be far more consequential than it appears. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Joanna Coles and David Rothkopf dive into Donald Trump's escalating foreign policy chaos, from his shifting stance on North Korea and threats against Oman to the ongoing war in Iran and the mounting strain on U.S. military forces. They discuss the troubling conditions aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln, America's dwindling weapons stockpiles, Pete Hegseth's leadership at the Pentagon, and what Rothkopf calls a new era of “mafia government” driven by loyalty and corruption. Plus, they unpack Trump's growing financial ties to crypto, the controversial White House ballroom, the strange mystery surrounding the bulky object spotted under Trump's clothes, and why Democratic Sen. John Ossoff could be one of the party's most compelling new voices heading into the midterms. #Ad Use code BEAST at the link below to get an exclusive 60% off an annual Incogni plan: https://incogni.com/beast #Ad Get 15% off OneSkin with the code BEAST at https://www.oneskin.co/BEAST #oneskinpod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Former Trump staffer Anthony Scaramucci and Nell Scovell join Joanna Coles on a special edition episode of the Daily Beast Podcast. Scaramucci offers a revealing look at how Donald Trump behaves around women, arguing that he wants loyalty above all else and explaining why women who work for him quickly learn that everything is ultimately about the president. Joanna and Nell then turn to the women competing to fill the vacuum around Trump, from Lara Trump and Tiffany Trump to Bettina Anderson and his granddaughter Kai, exploring their ambitions, their carefully curated social media lives, and their very different relationships with the Trump patriarch. Along the way, they examine why Trump's children seem to keep their distance, what his absence from Don Jr.'s wedding really says about the family, and the increasingly strange competition for Trump's attention and approval. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices