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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
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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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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Joanna Coles joins Kevin Fallon for a summer pop culture catch-up, sharing her unfiltered takes on Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey, Tom Holland, Zendaya, Robert Pattinson, Matt Damon and the future of Hollywood movie stars. They also debate Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's celebrity wedding, whether Hollywood glamour is dead, why One Night Only removed its sex scenes, and the best TV shows to binge this summer, including Furious, The Five Star Weekend and Netflix's The Bombing of Pan Am 103. #ad Receive 50% off your first order on any of Hiya's products. To claim this deal you must go to hiyahealth.com/OTP. Follow Kevin Fallon on Instagram @kpfallon Follow Matt Wilstein on Instagram @mattjwilstein Follow Obsessed on Instagram @beastobsessed 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
Michael Wolff and Joanna Coles explore Donald Trump's increasingly intense fixations, from his relentless campaign to put his name on the Kennedy Center to his insistence that the Navy return to outdated technology, and what these obsessions reveal about how the president operates. They also examine Trump's unusual ability to turn defeat and humiliation into fuel, his growing reliance on Truth Social to communicate and make money, the damage his administration is doing to institutions like Harvard and the Kennedy Center, and the looming political stakes of a surprisingly competitive Texas Senate race. #ad Start your free trial today at https://shopify.com/dailybeast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Joanna Coles and Daily Beast executive editor Hugh Dougherty break down the growing turmoil inside the Trump White House, starting with Karoline Leavitt's sudden departure and what it reveals about the pressures facing the administration as the midterms approach. They discuss who could replace Leavitt, why Trump's most loyal spokespeople may have limited options outside conservative media, and the increasingly bitter fight over who actually has control inside the West Wing. They also look at the departures of other senior officials, Susie Wiles' slipping grip on the administration, and the extraordinary backdoor maneuver that put a new ICE chief in position while she was away at her daughter's wedding. As more senior figures head for the exits and subpoenas loom, Joanna and Hugh consider what the accelerating West Wing exodus says about the future of Trump's presidency. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Michael Wolff and Joanna Coles dig into Karoline Leavitt's departure from the White House, the scramble to replace her, and what her exit reveals about the brutal demands of working directly for Donald Trump. They also confront the bizarre obsession with Trump's health and ponder whether the 80-year-old president wears diapers, dissect the elaborate decoy-plane operation as another example of Trump's need to dominate the news cycle, and examine his determination to remake the White House into a monument to himself. Wolff and Coles also look at Jeanine Pirro's increasingly creative efforts to satisfy Trump through a special grand jury, the growing pressure around the midterms, and the increasingly valuable business of being close to Trump while his power is at its peak. #ad Use code BEAST at the link below to get an exclusive 60% off an annual Incogni plan: https://incogni.com/beast #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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Sarah Ewall-Wice, political reporter for the Daily Beast, speaks with Joanna Coles as Dr. Jonathan Reiner challenges the White House about the growing questions surrounding Donald Trump's health, from his visible bruising and swollen legs to his repeated episodes of falling asleep in public and the mystery surrounding his medical tests and treatment. They dig into the White House's increasingly combative response to questions about the president's condition, the unusual number of specialists involved in his latest physical, and what his erratic sleep schedule could reveal. Then, Sarah breaks down the bizarre decoy-plane operation that secretly whisked Trump away from NATO while leaving senior officials and reporters behind, raising fresh questions about security and who knew what. The conversation also turns to Trump's increasingly difficult Iran war and the growing problems it creates for his administration, before Sarah reports from a battered National Mall where a botched renovation has become another symbol of government incompetence. #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 mark one year of Inside Trump's Head by dissecting the bizarre story of Donald Trump secretly switching planes while the White House press corps unknowingly flew aboard a decoy Air Force One—and why Wolff believes Trump himself may have leaked the story to fuel his favorite narrative: that he is the world's biggest target. They also reveal that Trump has used the decoy-plane strategy before, explore his increasingly desperate search for distractions as the Iran war leaves him boxed in, and turn to his fixation on AOC after she revealed she is freezing her eggs. Wolff explains what Trump's obsession with AOC says about his political instincts, why Truth Social is becoming a social network of one, and what Trump may actually be planning for his post-presidency. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Michael Wolff and Joanna Coles get inside Donald Trump's fixation with the White House ballroom, and why a court ruling stopping the project may only make him more determined to build it. They also look at the growing tension around Markwayne Mullin, Trump's fury when people in his administration appear to stray from his message, and why Anthony Fauci has become such a powerful target for MAGA despite Trump's own history with him. From Trump's refusal to let go of birthright citizenship to the carefully staged confirmation fight over Todd Blanche, Michael and Joanna explore the obsessions, grudges and political theater driving the administration. And in a revealing look at Trump's relationship with Melania, they consider what happens when the woman who once embodied his public image begins to build a life increasingly separate from him. Go to https://san.com/insidetrumpshead to get the unbiased truth on the stories that matter, only on the Straight Arrow app. Let's exit the echo chamber. #ad Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
David Rothkopf joins Joanna Coles to discuss Trump presidency's increasingly chaotic—and potentially dangerous—spiral. As Trump retreats further into a bubble of flatterers, key figures around him appear to be pulling away, raising new questions about who is really running the White House. Rothkopf unloads on Trump's disastrous Iran strategy, arguing that the president has burned through critical U.S. weapons stockpiles and left America dangerously weakened, while Iran now holds the leverage. They also dig into Trump's escalating attacks on Michigan Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed, the Republican Party's increasingly desperate turn toward racism, and the legal battle threatening Trump's lavish White House ballroom. And as Trump grows more isolated and appears increasingly disengaged, Rothkopf raises a chilling possibility: America could be heading toward another moment in which people behind the scenes—not the president himself—are effectively making the decisions. #ad Get 15% off OneSkin with code BEAST at https://www.oneskin.co/BEAST #oneskinpod #ad Real movement. Real muscle activation. Get $20 OFF the Waver Vibration Plate and Free Shipping at https://Lifeprofitness.com with code DAILYBEAST at checkout. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Anthony Scaramucci and Nell Scovell join Joanna Coles on a special edition episode of the Daily Beast Podcast. In the first installment of a four-part series on the women around Donald Trump, they ask the question that's hanging over Washington: where are Melania Trump and Ivanka Trump? Drawing on Scaramucci's firsthand experience inside Trump's orbit, the conversation explores why the first lady has become so absent from public life, what her disappearance could reveal about her marriage, whether Ivanka's decision to leave politics has changed the balance inside Trump's White House, and why the women closest to him may have once acted as the only people capable of tempering his instincts. Coles and Scovell unpack Melania's rare public interventions, Ivanka's dramatic transformation from political insider to private citizen, and the complicated family dynamics shaping Trump's second presidency. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Hugh Dougherty joins Joanna Coles to break down the stunning court ruling that could bring Donald Trump's controversial White House ballroom project to a halt—and why legal experts believe the decision leaves even the Supreme Court with few easy options. They also dive into Todd Blanche's path to attorney general despite fierce opposition from Epstein survivors, the political fallout for Senate Republicans, Trump's own admission that Republicans could be headed for a brutal midterm defeat, and alarming new economic data that threatens his political standing. Along the way, they discuss White House leaks, growing unrest inside Trump's orbit, and why the administration's biggest battles may be just beginning in what could become one of the most consequential weeks of Trump's presidency. Presented in partnership with PMI U.S., US Businesses of Philip Morris International. #ad Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Michael Wolff and Joanna Coles dive into another astonishing week inside Donald Trump's head, analyzing the president's fixation on image—from his infamous hair to a controversial White House helipad—as they reveal how performance continues to shape his presidency. They examine why Trump refuses to abandon embattled allies, how blame for the Iran crisis is already shifting inside his administration, and why Pete Hegseth may be heading toward the same fate as past loyalists. The conversation also explores RFK Jr.'s surreal new cooking show, the politics of conspiracy and wellness, the scramble among cabinet members already positioning themselves for 2028, and what a pivotal Democratic primary could signal about the future of political campaigning. Wolff offers fresh insight into Trump's mindset, his obsession with control, and the growing sense that fear of him is giving way to ridicule in ways that could reshape the political landscape. Try QUO for free plus get 20% off your first 6 months at https://www.quo.com/BEAST. #ad Ready to reach your goals? Visit https://hims.com/ith to get a personalized, affordable plan that gets you. #ad Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Michael Wolff and Joanna Coles take a closer look at the latest signs of dysfunction inside Trump's White House, from Jeanine Pirro's stunning retreat over the disastrous reflecting pool to the murky story behind Trump's call to embattled Congressman Max Miller. They unpack the Senate's capitulation over Todd Blanche, Trump's historically terrible poll numbers and the mindset that allows him to simply dismiss them, before turning to the increasingly chaotic Iran conflict and the risk that Trump's impulsive foreign policy is making a dangerous situation even worse. Then, the stakes get much bigger as David Ellison's bid to build an entertainment empire brings Paramount, CBS, CNN and Donald Trump into an increasingly tangled political and media power struggle. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
David Rothkopf joins Joanna Coles to delve into another extraordinary week in Trump world, from mounting questions over the president's handling of Iran and a deepening foreign policy crisis to allegations of corruption, political dysfunction, and the stunning collapse of public confidence reflected in new polling. They dive into RFK Jr.'s combative CNN appearance, the fallout surrounding embattled Congressman Max Miller, the mystery of Mitch McConnell's extended absence, the latest twists in Todd Blanche's confirmation battle, and the growing cracks inside the MAGA movement as Tucker Carlson, Laura Loomer, and JD Vance collide. Plus, they examine Trump's latest Truth Social spectacle, his self-proclaimed golf triumph, and why the hosts argue the chaos surrounding his administration is only accelerating as the midterms draw closer. Download the Kalshi app and use code TDB to get up to $500 in bonus credits when you trade $25. #ad Go to https://leesa.com and use promo code DAILYBEAST for 25% off select mattresses plus an extra $50 off, exclusive for The Daily Beast Podcast listeners. #ad Ready to reach your goals? Visit https://hims.com/beast to get a personalized, affordable plan that gets you. #ad Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Michael Wolff and Joanna Coles argue that Donald Trump's trip to Camp David wasn't a show of strength but a sign of growing desperation, as he tries to project presidential gravitas while, they contend, becoming trapped in a war he cannot win and surrounded by advisers whose public loyalty masks private disbelief. They break down why Todd Blanche may be discovering the true cost of working for Trump, how a powerful Trump fundraiser is amassing a staggering war chest for his post-White House influence, and why Trump's grip on the Republican Party could outlast his presidency even as his poll numbers slide. Plus, they dissect the unraveling of the James Comey investigation, the bizarre role of Sammy "The Bull" Gravano, the dropped charges against Olympian Davey Hearn, and what Mitch McConnell's prolonged absence says about Washington's aging power structure in a conversation that reveals how the spectacle around Trump may be obscuring far more consequential shifts behind the scenes. 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 #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/TRUMP #ad Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Joanna Coles and Daily Beast executive editor Hugh Dougherty break down another extraordinary week in politics, from Donald Trump's unsettling appearance at Lindsey Graham's funeral to the growing mystery surrounding Mitch McConnell's health and the unanswered questions surrounding the photos released by his office. They explain why the silence from Republican leaders has only fueled speculation, what McConnell's absence could mean for the balance of power in the Senate, and why Trump has every incentive to avoid the story. Plus, they look at Vivek Ramaswamy's surprising political troubles in Ohio, the domestic abuse allegations engulfing Rep. Max Miller, and the political battles that could reshape the 2026 midterms. Presented in partnership with PMI U.S., US Businesses of Philip Morris International. Share your prediction for America's future with #America250 or fill out our form for a chance to be featured on the podcast. By posting with #America250, you agree that The Daily Beast may include your comment in PMI U.S.-sponsored segments on The Daily Beast Podcast and to other potential PMI U.S. uses. https://beast.pub/america250 #ad Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Michael Wolff and Joanna Coles trace what they argue is a turning point for Donald Trump as the consequences of his biggest political bets begin to close in around him. They break down why Trump's Iran strategy has left him boxed in with no clear exit, how the war has reshaped his standing at home and abroad, and why even his closest allies may now be adding to his problems instead of solving them. They also examine the fallout from Lindsey Graham's funeral, Darlene Graham's Senate ambitions, Anthony Fauci's newly revealed diaries, RFK Jr.'s growing influence over vaccine policy, and the surprising White House tensions that expose deeper cracks inside Trump's orbit. Start your free trial today at https://shopify.com/dailybeast #ad Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Michael Wolff and Joanna Coles take a look at Donald Trump's obsession with outlasting everyone around him, from the strange question of how Trump wants to be remembered to the political future he may be plotting from Mar-a-Lago. They also dissect JD Vance's new book and the remarkable contradictions at its center: a man searching for God while relentlessly pursuing power, trying to distance himself from Trump while positioning himself to inherit MAGA, and presenting himself as a reluctant participant in a political life he has clearly hustled to achieve. Along the way, Wolff and Coles expose the gaps between Vance's carefully constructed story and the reality behind it—and why his book may reveal far more about his ambitions than he intended. Presented by PMI U.S., US Businesses of Philip Morris International. Share a prediction on America's future for a chance to be featured on The Daily Beast Podcast: https://beast.pub/america250 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
David Rothkopf and Joanna Coles discuss a whirlwind week of political chaos, from Donald Trump's rocky White House Correspondents' Dinner performance and late-night Truth Social barrage to growing questions about the administration's handling of the Iran conflict and the Pentagon's casualty figures. They examine why Trump, Vladimir Putin, and Benjamin Netanyahu all appear increasingly boxed in by wars and political pressure, dig into the high-stakes Saudi nuclear negotiations, and explore what Ukraine's battlefield successes could mean for Russia's future. The conversation also dives into the Tate brothers' latest legal troubles and the widening cracks in Trump's political strategy, delivering sharp analysis, insider context, and the bigger picture behind the headlines as global events collide in ways that could reshape the months ahead. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Kurt Andersen returns to the Daily Beast Podcast to discuss his provocative new novel The Breakup, a chilling vision of America's future that imagines the country pushed to its breaking point after Donald Trump's death sparks nationwide unrest. Andersen explains why the political chaos of the past few years forced him to make his fictional America even darker, whether the country is already living through a national tragedy, and why he believes imagining uncomfortable futures may be the only way to prepare for them. Joanna Coles and Andersen debate whether AI will make us smarter or stop us from thinking altogether, dissect Jon Ossoff's standout performance against Pete Hegseth, size up the most alarming figures in Trump's orbit, and explore why today's political theater increasingly resembles professional wrestling. Head to https://www.tryfum.com/BEAST and use promo code BEAST to get your free gift with purchase, and start The Good Habit today! #ad Use code BEAST at the link below to get an exclusive 60% off an annual Incogni plan: https://incogni.com/beast #ad Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Michael Wolff and Joanna Coles dive into a week that reveals Donald Trump's deepest fixations and growing political vulnerabilities, from his unwavering obsession with tariffs to the mounting risks surrounding RFK Jr., soaring measles cases, and a White House increasingly consumed by its own crises. They debate whether Trump's widely criticized appearance at the White House Correspondents' Dinner was a show of confidence or desperation, reveal why one long-dead television host may still have more influence over Trump than anyone in his inner circle, and examine what rising oil prices, Iran, and the midterm elections could mean for his presidency. Plus, they break down Trump's surprising embrace of Darline Graham and the politics behind her rapid rise, the strange role of health supplements in MAGA, the chaos surrounding JD Vance, and the revealing clues that point to what may really be happening inside the president's mind. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Presented by PMI U.S., US Businesses of Philip Morris International. Share a prediction on America's future for a chance to be featured on The Daily Beast Podcast: https://beast.pub/america250 #ad Joanna Coles and Daily Beast executive editor Hugh Dougherty trace the cracks spreading through Donald Trump's White House as a flood of new leaks reveals an administration gripped by chaos, infighting, and mounting pressure over the escalating conflict with Iran. They dig into reports of Trump's Oval Office outbursts, the controversy surrounding fallen American service members, Laura Loomer's stunning reversal on Ukraine, and the growing questions surrounding Mitch McConnell's prolonged absence from the Senate. They also reveal fresh reporting on the battle to replace Lindsey Graham's Senate seat, explore the latest twists in the Jeffrey Epstein saga, and examine how the Tate brothers' legal troubles could create new political headaches for Trump's inner circle. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Michael Wolff and Joanna Coles break down Donald Trump's latest chaotic moves, starting with his immediate renegotiation of a brand-new Saudi nuclear deal and the astonishing legal escalation in Melania Trump's lawsuit against Wolff. Coles and Wolff expose the political desperation behind the administration's sudden push for teenage abstinence, alongside Trump's retro attacks on Senator Jon Ossoff and other rising Democrats. They also examine JD Vance's latest book, his sudden spiritual pivot, and consider what the Vice President's dark fixation on demons reveals about his unbridled ambition. Go to https://ground.news/BEAST for a better way to stay informed. Subscribe for 40% off the Vantage plan for unlimited access to world wide news coverage through my link. #ad Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices