The Daily Beast Podcast The Daily Beast Podcast

I Know Who Will Go Next in Trump's Reign of Chaos

Oct 18, 2026 · 1h 7m

Summary

Michael Wolff and Joanna Chases analyze the rapid firing of White House press secretary Katie Zachariah, attributing the chaos to Trump’s impulsive hiring and the exclusion of Chief of Staff Susie Wiles. The duo discusses Wiles’ precarious position, her daughter’s rising influence, and the likelihood of her departure after the midterms. They also examine Elon Musk’s unprecedented $300 million spending on the Texas Senate race and its implications for the balance of power. Finally, the hosts review key midterm debates, noting the strong performances of John Ossoff and Abdul Al-Sayed against …

Topics discussed

Sponsorships and Introduction Susie Wiles' daughter and White House power dynamics Katie Zachariah's role in the Ukraine war Weather in L.A. and the Hamptons Promo for Terragram Ballroom event Trump's blame game and Zachariah's fate Trump's fixation on John Ossoff's makeup Ossoff's debate performance against Susan Collins Host introductions and background noise Katie Zachariah's relief after dinner with Vance The public mockery of Zachariah's firing Happiness as the remission of pain Trump's comments on Zachariah's departure Jason Miller's personal issues and press secretary role HubSpot CRM Sponsorship Scott Jennings' credibility and the podium Speculation on Scott Jennings' appearance The rapid timeline of Zachariah's appointment Zachariah's appearance on Sean Hannity White House use of Fox News and photo analysis Susie Wiles' birthday and Alaska trip Susie Wiles' exclusion from hiring decisions Fashion analysis: Wiles vs. Zachariah's shoes Trump's preference for blondes and Wiles' role Life on the tarmac and Wiles' future HubSpot CRM Sponsorship The 'body man' and Trump's physical proximity Trump's image: old man with two young women Promo for Terragram Ballroom tickets Trump's public defense of Susie Wiles Wiles' potential departure after midterms Trump's control and Zachariah's lack of prep Trump's resentment of shared authority Wiles' strategy regarding Elon Musk Wiles waiting for Musk to self-destruct Wiles' focus on her own survival The Chief of Staff role vs. administrative officer Wiles' background with DeSantis and Rubio Wiles' revenge campaign against DeSantis Wiles' lack of ambition for bigger things Susie Wiles' daughter as a White House power Elon Musk's $300 million donation to Trump Doge and Musk's power in the executive branch Musk's antagonism with cabinet secretaries Musk's departure and government damage HubSpot CRM Sponsorship Musk's investment in Ken Paxton in Texas The significance of $300 million to Musk Paxton as the hinge for the Senate Unprecedented billionaire spending in politics Money creating its own power Musk's Starlink role in Ukraine warnings The rise of the American oligarchy Trump surrounded by oligarchs at inauguration Tech industry's expedient political alignment Musk's absence from the campaign trail Speculation on Musk's health and flu Impact of Musk's week off on midterms Transition to specific Senate races Troy Jackson's authenticity vs. polish Trump's unpopularity and candidate dynamics Jackson's charisma issues in Maine Al-Sayed vs. Rogers in Michigan Voting against Trump in difficult races Al-Sayed's improved standing in Michigan The two Dan Sullivans in Alaska Possibility of Democratic wins in key races Potential for Democrats to win all races Musk's influence and the Minnesota race Peggy Flanagan's debate performance Hosts' drink choices and election night plans Wolff's retreat from alcohol Daily Beast studio election night coverage Washington Post ballroom donor list Jeff Bezos' interest in the ballroom Discussion on crispness in reporting Zachariah's brief tenure and 'Candle in the Wind' Potential impromptu episode on a flight Closing thanks to staff and members Anthropic Sponsorship
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