Axios: 2028: Trump’s final act

 2028: Trump’s final act
 
Photo illustration of President Trump and the Capitol dome stylized in a hazy way with red abstract shapes overlaid.
Illustration: Aïda Amer/Axios. Photo: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images
 
A special look for AM readers at Axios CEO Jim VandeHei’s political briefing, published first in his weekly Axios C-Suite newsletter:

President Trump doesn’t much care if Republicans lose the House and/or the Senate in November.

Yes, he’d prefer a big win. But he seems indifferent to the election and the possibility of endless Democratic investigations of his family, wealth and policies, close advisers tell us.

A big reason: Trump knows he’ll emerge just as strong, or even stronger, heading into his final two years, at least among Republicans.

The big picture: Trump is not a share-the-stage, pass-the-torch, groom-your-successor kind of guy. Instead, he’ll exploit his leverage:

🏛️ A more MAGA Senate. Almost all of his critics will be gone through defeat or retirement. The incoming class is very Trumpy. If they keep the Senate, Trump loyalists like Mike Lee (Utah), Ron Johnson (Wis.) and Rick Scott (Fla.) will chair committees.

🗳️ A more MAGA House. Trump already serves as de facto speaker, but his few outspoken GOP critics — Rep. Thomas Massie (Ky.) and former Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (Ga.) — will be gone, replaced by members who won because of him.

👑 A ’28 kingmaker. Trump’s firm hold on the base means he will dictate the GOP’s nominee and shape their message. He wants a Vance-Rubio ticket and will likely get it if his mind doesn’t change. Imagine any ’28 hopeful, especially Marco Rubio or JD Vance, trying to break with the boss while working for the boss.

💰 Cashing in. Trump will use levers of power to keep raising money to expand his clout beyond the presidency. “He likes the fact that when he tells someone, ‘Give me money,’ they give him money,” an adviser told us.

👓 3 dramas to watch post-November:

Trump will flirt with running again in ’28 until the bitter end, but it’s all about PR and keeping Vance and Rubio in their place.

As potential outside-the-walls competition in ’28, the White House is watching Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, Sen. Ted Cruz (Texas) and Sen. Josh Hawley (Mo.).

A constitutional clash over congressional oversight, among the last and most vital powers lawmakers hold dear. What happens if Trump orders his entire administration, family and friends to just ignore Congress?📈 If you’re a CEO or on a CEO’s team: Ask to join Jim’s new weekly Axios C-Suite newsletter.Share this briefing.
Share on Facebook Tweet this Story Post to LinkedIn Email this Story 
Unknown's avatar

About michelleclarke2015

Life event that changes all: Horse riding accident in Zimbabwe in 1993, a fractured skull et al including bipolar anxiety, chronic fatigue …. co-morbidities (Nietzche 'He who has the reason why can deal with any how' details my health history from 1993 to date). 17th 2017 August operation for breast cancer (no indications just an appointment came from BreastCheck through the Post). Trinity College Dublin Business Economics and Social Studies (but no degree) 1997-2003; UCD 1997/1998 night classes) essays, projects, writings. Trinity Horizon Programme 1997/98 (Centre for Women Studies Trinity College Dublin/St. Patrick's Foundation (Professor McKeon) EU Horizon funded: research study of 15 women (I was one of this group and it became the cornerstone of my journey to now 2017) over 9 mth period diagnosed with depression and their reintegration into society, with special emphasis on work, arts, further education; Notes from time at Trinity Horizon Project 1997/98; Articles written for Irishhealth.com 2003/2004; St Patricks Foundation monthly lecture notes for a specific period in time; Selection of Poetry including poems written by people I know; Quotations 1998-2017; other writings mainly with theme of social justice under the heading Citizen Journalism Ireland. Letters written to friends about life in Zimbabwe; Family history including Michael Comyn KC, my grandfather, my grandmother's family, the O'Donnellan ffrench Blake-Forsters; Moral wrong: An acrimonious divorce but the real injustice was the Catholic Church granting an annulment – you can read it and make your own judgment, I have mine. Topics I have written about include annual Brain Awareness week, Mashonaland Irish Associataion in Zimbabwe, Suicide (a life sentence to those left behind); Nostalgia: Tara Hill, Co. Meath.
This entry was posted in Uncategorized. Bookmark the permalink.

Leave a comment