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The Ezra Klein Show · July 31, 2026 · 00:58:57

How Trump Has Changed, With Maggie Haberman

Ezra Klein, Maggie Haberman
Show Notes

Maggie Haberman, New York Times White House correspondent, joins Ezra Klein to discuss the first year of Trump's second term. They explore how decisions are made in an administration shaped by loyalists, the stalled war with Iran, and the president's obvious distraction with White House renovations as midterms approach. Haberman also draws on her new book, co-written with Jonathan Swan, to chronicle what she calls an imperial presidency.

This summary was generated from show notes and public descriptions, not from a full transcript review. Details may contain inaccuracies.

Highlights

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An Imperial Presidency
Haberman’s new book argues that Trump is embracing an imperial presidency, centralizing power in the executive and bypassing traditional checks.
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Editorial

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The Loyalist White House
Haberman describes how Trump's second-term inner circle is built entirely of loyalists who shape decision-making around his personal impulses.
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The Iran Quagmire
Trump’s second term is bogged down by a war with Iran that he can’t end, consuming political capital and fueling his unpopularity.
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Renovations Over Midterms
Trump’s preoccupation with White House renovations indicates detachment from the midterm elections and the Republican Party’s struggle to retain Congress.
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References

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Regime Change: Inside the Imperial Presidency of Donald Trump — Maggie Haberman and Jonathan Swan (2026) — Discussed throughout the episode as the basis for Haberman's analysis
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