Earlier this month, the New York Times reported that Donald Trump: was considering Brooke Rollins, a former director of his Domestic Policy Council and currently director of the MAGA think tank America First Policy Institute, will serve as his chief of staff if he returns to the White House. I plan to.
A story was born within 24 hours That AFPI The building, nicknamed the “White House in Waiting” for its quiet role in planning President Trump’s second term, was hacked by the Chinese.
But among Trump’s inner circle, that wasn’t news at all. The institute’s online security perimeter was breached almost a full year ago, and then again earlier this month.
Why was the news leaked this time? Because some of Mr. Trump’s confidants speculate that someone who doesn’t like Mr. Rollins might have wanted him to do it.
“There’s a knife fight going on,” one said. “Someone’s like, ‘Oh, she wants to be chief of staff? Well, she can’t even stop her organization from being hacked.’
It’s just one vivid example of the behind-the-scenes maneuvering over key roles in the White House even before Trump won the election. The job of chief of staff has always been considered particularly important and difficult for Mr. Trump, who replaced four chiefs of staff during his first four years in office. Despite their vastly different styles and personalities, each struggled to rein in Trump and keep him and his administration focused.
Trump himself was superstitious about planning ahead of a victory and was reluctant to discuss the issue much, people close to him said. But among those who support the former president, there is free tongue-lashing.
Many insiders see the job as crucial to the potential success of a second Trump administration, with Rollins, Susie Wiles and Kevin McCarthy among the most discussed roles. He said a lot about the three of them.
Most likely candidate
As the de facto campaign manager, nearly everyone said Mr. Wiles could probably take the job if he wanted. After all, Trump has a history of rewarding those who helped him win, and after his 2016 victory, he appointed RNC leader Reince Priebus as his chief strategist and his campaign’s top management. CEO Steve Bannon has been appointed as chief strategist.
But that’s not the only reason people are betting on Wiles. Mr. Wiles, a veteran of Florida politics, became close to Mr. Trump, a well-liked political figure, after January 6.
According to people familiar with the matter, she is the main reason President Trump is running a more professional and organized campaign this term. They credit her with bringing order to a chaotic political landscape, and believe her zero-tolerance policy has ushered in a period of relative peace in their orbit.
The most important thing is that her boss trusts her. President Trump doesn’t always listen, but Wiles has a relationship with the former president that allows him to speak up and communicate any opposing views, although Trump does occasionally have tantrums. This is not something many people would want to do in the face of this.
A few of her critics argue that Wiles has never had a modern government job. She worked briefly on the Hill for Congressman Jack Kemp of New York, as a scheduler for Ronald Reagan, and at the Department of Labor before relocating to Florida, but much has changed in Belt and Road politics since then. Ta.
Still, those who have seen Wiles up close say she is a quick learner. Under the Trump administration, she has survived big egos, sharp elbows, assassination attempts, trials, and convictions. “She’s an unwavering person,” one source said.
One thing is clear: Given the demanding nature of the job and the resignations of previous Trumps, it’s unclear whether Wiles actually wants the job. She’s already had a remarkable three years at Trump’s side, and people wondered if she’d had her fill of personnel drama earlier this year following Corey Levandowski’s sudden return to the campaign trail. is in doubt.
policy hand
According to That story in the TimesPresident Trump has solicited public opinion on Rollins, suggesting she would make a “great chief of staff.” Those who like Mr. Rollins say this is a scathing assessment. They argue that Rollins is a sophisticated policymaker who can help President Trump pass legislation.
But the story only clarified opposition to Rollins among many Trump insiders who believe he doesn’t need to do the job, and whose main attributes are self-promotion and AFPI’s influence. casting her as a relative newcomer to the Trump world with close ties to certain donors. Some fear he is too close to traditional free-market conservatives and could clash with Trump’s high-tariff “Magnomics” agenda.
Still, Rollins has a power base. A native of Texas who came into office during Gov. Rick Perry’s administration, she became close to Jared Kushner and led domestic policy during President Trump’s final six months in office, and later joined fellow former administration officials. gave housing to AFPI. After the chaotic end of President Trump’s term.
Her critics claim that despite her policy prowess, she lacks political acumen. Some who have worked with her believe she would be eaten alive in the role. The counterargument to this is that since Trump is not running for re-election, he primarily needs someone who can carry out his policies. Supporters say she is clearly aware of her political flaws and could outsource the role. (Notably, she welcomed Kellyanne Conway to AFPI.)
But what does Trump think? One source said Trump lavished her with praise and said she could run any business in the country. However, he has clashed with her in the past over AFPI’s use of his “America First” brand, and the Times reported that he has sought up to $50 million in damages.
exiled speaker
If Mr. Wiles has the political acumen and Mr. Rollins has the policy know-how, Mr. McCarthy’s supporters argue that Mr. Wiles has both. In 2017, Trump had difficulty communicating his agenda to Capitol Hill.
Some have questioned whether Mr. McCarthy will actually take the job. The longtime employee-turned-lawmaker is now making a lot of money for the first time in his life.
But those who know him best know better. McCarthy is an inveterate politician who prefers inside politics. Perhaps there is no job in Washington where he can better leverage the relationships he has built in politics. (When asked in the past about working in the Trump administration, McCarthy said he was not looking for a job but wouldn’t rule out the possibility.)
In fact, some people think that McCarthy: Too enthusiastic. Two Trump insiders pointed this out to us, unprompted, by Mr. McCarthy’s longtime consigliere, Jeff Miller. doing lobbying activities Cantor Fitzgerald CEO Howard Lutnick is also leading President Trump’s transition, raising questions about Miller’s influence over personnel decisions.
Miller told Playbook he was not involved. “While Howard has been a friend and client for quite some time, I have no role in him, officially or unofficially or in any way.” [the] transition. “
Trump’s views are complicated. When MAGA enthusiasts moved against McCarthy in the House of Representatives, Trump didn’t intervene much. Some say they viewed Mr. McCarthy as a weak negotiator during his months as chairman, but he remains upset that the Californian did not keep his promise to “kill” the twin impeachments. I’m angry.
However, the two maintain a close relationship and talk frequently. Trump has praised McCarthy for being one of his early allies in Congress. But those close to the former president say they would be surprised if he offered the job to McCarthy.
Like this content? Sign up for POLITICO’s Playbook newsletter.
