Kathrine Frich
Others in the inner circle share a similar perspective on the situation.
Managing a powerful leader is never an easy job in high stakes politics.
Behind closed doors in Washington, those tasked with keeping top officials on course often find their advice going entirely unheeded.
Now, some insider accounts suggest that guiding the nation’s highest office has become a lost cause.
Why bother asking
Top White House officials, elected lawmakers, and major donors have increasingly stepped back from trying to steer policy decisions, according to Axios. Years of trying to influence direction during a second term have left many aides feeling completely exhausted.
When controversial decisions arise, advisors frequently choose silence over confrontation. They have decided that trying to dissuade the leader from dramatic moves is simply not worth the effort.
“Why bother?” a longtime Trump adviser told Axios according to the Irish star. “He’s the boss.”
Others in the inner circle share a similar perspective on the situation. “He’s an 80-year-old man who did it his way,” an unnamed donor told Axios. “What he wants, he gets.”
Still wielding power
Despite the hands-off approach from aides, insiders warn against assuming that the administration is drifting without purpose. Aides note that policy shifts on tariffs and foreign conflict continue to move forward at full speed.
“He wields enormous power in the party, in politics, and culturally,” one adviser told Axios. “Anyone who thinks he’s going to retreat into the shadows is either stupid or has bad political instincts.”
Meanwhile, tension is building as lawmakers prepare for a major Republican gathering in Dallas. Some candidates facing tough reelection battles have voiced concern over low approval ratings affecting their races, while others are skipping the event entirely.
Snapping at reporters
Speaking to journalists on the tarmac before departure, Trump rejected claims that party members were intentionally avoiding the Texas event. When questioned by a television reporter, he reacted with sharp criticism.
“ABC fake news. One of the worst, you are the worst of all in my opinion,” Trump told the reporter on the tarmac.
He insisted that attendance limits were purely logistical rather than political, arguing space was reserved for candidates in tight races who needed a boost.
“Everybody is coming to the convention,” Trump said firmly. “Everybody wants to come.” He added that room was prioritized for close contests, explaining, “We don’t have room for people who are 35 points up and don’t need to be there.”
Sources: Axios, Irish Star
