On Sunday, Axios gave a breakdown from “half a dozen administration officials” on what it’s like working in the same space as unpopular President Donald Trump.
- "You have no idea how much crazy stuff we kill": The most common response centers on the urgent importance of having smart, sane people around Trump to fight his worst impulses. If they weren't there, they say, we would have a trade war with China, massive deportations, and a government shutdown to force construction of a Southern wall.
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- "We like the power": Well, no one comes out and say it this blatantly. But working in the White House, even this one, is intoxicating and ego-stroking. They have enormous say over regulations and rules, invites and implementation, government jobs and access to the Oval. They also know they are one step away from an even bigger job in government, so it's hard to just walk away.
And there you have it. A mixture of power and crazy, being controlled by people intoxicated by power. Sounds like a cocktail for success.