Jonathan Swan, the reporter who co-authored the recently published "Regime Change" with Maggie Haberman, sat down to break down how President Trump actually operates, and what business leaders should understand about navigating him.
The three core insights Swan shared paint a portrait of a president fundamentally different from his predecessors. Trump's primary driver is not domestic political advantage or succession planning. His singular focus is cementing his place as a Great Man in world history. CEOs seeking his ear should frame their proposals accordingly, emphasizing how their work creates literal or figurative monuments to his legacy. It's not about winning midterms or even positioning Vice President Vance for future success.
The second dynamic involves understanding Trump's actual power structure. While the president is known for public outbursts, his real machinery operates quietly through a tight circle of roughly half a dozen loyalists. This inner sanctum includes Vice President Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Stephen Miller, and chief of staff Susie Wiles. They sometimes operate from the Situation Room itself, strategizing on domestic moves while keeping communications insulated from leaks. Business leaders navigating this administration need to recognize this oligarchy and understand which voices carry actual weight.
The third point is straightforward but consequential: volatility will intensify. Trump is actively searching for grand gestures and game-changing moves. Whether that means negotiating territorial arrangements with China or pursuing expansionist ambitions in the Western Hemisphere, the president is primed for major disruptions to the status quo.
Swan also offered a tactical bonus insight. Late-night calls to Trump when he's alone and fielding calls after midnight carry disproportionate influence. His night-owl tendencies are well-known among his circle. Reporters often access him directly through his cell phone, and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and other late-hour confidants regularly use the back channel. A well-timed call when Trump is receptive, without the noise of daylight operations, can move mountains.
Author James Rodriguez: "The picture Swan draws isn't of a traditional executive but of a man chasing immortality, surrounded by a handful of true believers running things behind closed doors. That changes everything about how you approach him."
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