Editorials & Other Articles

A couple of months ago, Donald Trump sat down with Fox News’ Lara Trump (his daughter-in-law) and reflected on one of the key differences between his first and second terms. “We have really good people this time, and they get along with each other,” the president said, adding, “They love each other ... and it’s smoother. I think it’s smoother.”

Perhaps the Republican was confusing his team for some other administration — because there’s all kinds of evidence that contradicts the idea that prominent members of his team “get along with each other” and “love each other.” Politico reported:

A private dinner attended by dozens of administration officials and close advisers to President Donald Trump was temporarily marred by a dramatic clash between two of Trump’s top economic officials, with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent at one point threatening to punch top housing finance official Bill Pulte ‘in the f---ing face.’

.....One Trump insider told Politico the confrontation was “bonkers,” and another called the developments “unhinged.” (None of the relevant individuals commented on the record.)....

Those schisms came on the heels of Elon Musk and Bessent getting into a heated shouting match at the White House. Meanwhile, Bessent and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick have been at odds with White House trade adviser Peter Navarro; and Musk, during his tenure, also clashed with Navarro, Duffy and Rubio......

As we’ve discussed, throughout American history, there have been administrations with rival factions, but those divisions usually take time to develop. On Team Trump, the cracks are bursting into view less than eight months after Inauguration Day.

In theory, a strong president could intervene, resolve differences, unite his or her own team and establish a clear vision for his or her administration to follow. In practice, however, Trump appears content to play the role of President Bystander, watching these divisions get even worse.