Amidst growing rifts, Trump associates increasingly engage in heated exchanges among themselves.

The Resurgence of Dysfunction in Trump's Second Term

WASHINGTON (AP) - The power struggles and backstabbing that defined Trump's first term are back on the scene, threatening to undermine his second, as conflicts escalate over trade, national security, and questions of personal loyalty.

The latest turmoil threatens to engulf the Pentagon, where Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth continues to face controversy, including accusations of presiding over a "full-blown meltdown" and sharing sensitive military information outside of classified channels. A former Pentagon spokesperson, who was ousted last week, publicly called for Hegseth's dismissal in Politico.

The internal drama, while not yet dominating the headlines, has resurfaced after a period of relative calm in the White House ranks. This resurgence of chaos highlights Trump's turbulent management style, which has previously been suppressed or downplayed, rather than reformed.

Trump's national security team has been jolted by an Oval Office visit from far-right conspiracy theorist Laura Loomer, who has been questioning the team's trustworthiness. The Republican president's response has been to embolden Loomer, who continues to scrutinize individuals across the administration.

In an interview with independent journalist Tara Palmeri, Loomer mocked the idea that the White House is a happy family. "The advisers don't get along with each other," she said. "The heads of agencies don't get along with each other."

Trade Tensions Cause Friction

A significant portion of the tension stems from Trump's determination to use tariffs to rebalance the global economy. Officials have often contradicted each other, and a few have even resorted to insults, with Trump adviser Elon Musk sharply criticizing Peter Navarro, Trump's top trade counselor, as "dumber than a sack of bricks."

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt dismissed the notion of growing dissension within the administration, insisting there are "far more examples of the president's team working together enthusiastically and collaboratively to advance the administration's goals."

Trump has traditionally tolerated chaos, eschewing traditional policy deliberations to entertain a diverse range of opinions and viewing unpredictability as a negotiating tool. Over the years, he has fostered a competitive atmosphere among his staff, frequently choosing individuals for their dedication and aggressiveness.

However, the escalating strife underscores the risks of further turmoil in the months ahead, as Trump pursues ambitious reforms of the federal bureaucracy, international trade, foreign policy, and more.

White House Stays Silent on Hegseth Controversy

On Monday, Trump dismissed reports that Hegseth was involved in a second group chat about pending airstrikes in Yemen last month. The first chat, which used the encrypted messaging app Signal, involved top administration officials and the editor of The Atlantic, who was accidentally included in the discussion.

The second chat, first reported by The New York Times on Sunday, included Hegseth's wife, who does not have a government job, and his brother and personal lawyer, both of whom work at the Pentagon. Politico reported on Tuesday that Hegseth also shared sensitive military details about airstrikes in a separate group chat with Philip Haney, a former Department of Homeland Security official who has been involved in a child custody battle with Hegseth's brother.

Trump's dismissive response underscores his reluctance to dismiss any administration officials in response to negative media attention, a strategy that could leave troubled officials in their positions.

Stealthy Leaks and Power Struggles

John Bolton, Trump's former national security adviser, who has been critical of the president's inner circle, noted the lack of a consistent ideology and the inexperience of many administration officials. "The only thing they have in common is the belief that they should show personal fealty to Trump," Bolton said. "That got them the job. That may in fact keep them in the job. But it shows how fundamentally unserious they are."

The situation poses a test for Susie Wiles, the White House chief of staff, who helped manage Trump's presidential campaign last year and is known for imposing an unusual level of order on the chaotic orbit around Trump. Wiles's challenge will be to maintain some level of control amid increasing power struggles and leaks.

During Trump's first term, he had four chiefs of staff—one of them serving in an acting capacity for more than a year. The second, former U.S. Marine Gen. John Kelly, became a sharp critic of the president after he left the job, describing him as a fascist during the 2024 election.

Now, Trump has surrounded himself with loyalists, but the persistent turmoil could pose risks in the months ahead as the administration continues to pursue ambitious reforms.

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Sources:[1] CNN, [2] The Hill, [3] Politico, [4] The New York Times

The resurgence of chaos in the White House, as seen in the controversies surrounding Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, is reminiscent of Trump's turbulent management style during his first term.
The escalating turmoil in the administration, particularly in the Pentagon, is further highlighted by the visit of far-right conspiracy theorist Laura Loomer, who has been questioning the trustworthiness of Trump's national security team.
Trade tensions, fueled by Trump's use of tariffs to rebalance the global economy, have caused significant friction within the administration, with officials often contradicting each other and resorting to public insults.
The White House has stayed silent on Hegseth's involvement in sensitive military discussions, indicating Trump's reluctance to dismiss any administration officials in response to negative media attention.
The persistent turmoil within the administration poses a challenge for Susie Wiles, the White House chief of staff, as she strives to maintain some level of control amid increasing power struggles and leaks.
As the administration continues to pursue ambitious reforms, the unpredictability and political infighting could have far-reaching consequences, particularly in areas such as foreign policy, international trade, federal bureaucracy, and crime and justice.