The Weekly Primer is a ‘pop-up’ newsletter that highlights the latest developments from the Trump White House with a view into the deeper agenda underway. This edition is being sent following Columbus Day.
What’s ahead on the Trump 2.5 Agenda?
The Angle – For the first time, the indomitable frame of the West Wing, Susie Wiles, appears vulnerable.
After the November elections, the president will likely reshuffle key personnel as he looks to the final two years of his term.
Coming up this week
Rubio in Central and South Asia | The Secretary of State heads East to make stops in Uzbekistan and India as he seeks to shore up the new alliance structure of the administration.
Knives Out for Wiles | The Chief of Staff faces press rumors about her impending departure, though she still appears stronger than ever.
Midterms Campaigns Hit Home Stretch | Both parties are engaging in rallies across the country as the pivotal election nears, with the president expected to head to Michigan.
Iran War on Brink of Escalation | Saudi cancelled a pivotal investment conference next week as it looks to retaliate against the Houthis in Yemen.
Brazil Runoff to Sway South America | The Sunday vote will either reinforce or stem the right-wing tide on the continent.
You may have missed
Press Secretary Fired within Days | Katie Zacharia was removed after just five days on the job as her performance was widely panned.
Habba and Grenell in Feud | The president’s former legal advisor accused long-time Trump advisor, Richard Grenell, of misappropriating a donation by a shadowy Turkish businessman.
Zelensky and Trump Trade Barbs | The Ukrainian and American presidents exchanged missives following the restriction of Starlink in Ukraine.
Zampolli Finally Removed from Post | The quixotic figure who claims to have introduced the president to his wife in the 1990s was removed following disputes within the State Department.
Settler Violence Called Terrorism | After Israeli settlers severely beat a Washington Post journalist, Ambassador Huckabee called it an act of terrorism.
Readings & Viewings
Snapshots from around the media from the past week.
Air Mail | Larry David on the DSA
CBS News | “Town Hall with JD Vance”
YouTube | “Independent Counts – McConaughey”
“Susie Wiles | Chief of Staff— Wiles is considered to be the glue of the current White House and played a similar role on the campaign trail. She was influential in the cabinet appointments process and maintained discipline in the administration’s early days. Wiles has an extensive resume, going back to the Reagan administration. She served on the first Trump Campaign in 2016 and became CEO of the Save America PAC in 2021.”
- p. 103 “People and Positions” | Trump 2.5: A Primer (2025)