Donald Trump continues to launch attacks, insults and sweeping statements. But his campaign this year seems less chaotic than the previous ones. So far, there have been no constant leaks to the media, bloody battles between consultants, or sensational dismissals. In 2016 and 2020, his main advisors were his children and their spouses. This time, Ivanka, her daughter, and her husband Jared have distanced themselves. “I will always love and support my father, but from now on I will do that outside of the political arena,” Ivanka said. Exit also the sulphurous and incendiary characters like his personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani or Steve Bannon, one of his strategists, who had no electoral experience and were mainly looking to show off.
Donald Trump replaced them with political professionals. The ex-president is “more seasoned and has surrounded himself with a very intelligent, sharp team, which is leading an effective and disciplined campaign,” said Brian Seitchik, a Republican consultant in charge of Trump’s operations in Arizona in 2016. It must be said that it is not difficult to do better than previous managers. In 2016, Corey Lewandowski was accused of brutally grabbing a journalist to prevent her from asking a question. In 2020, Brad Parscale was arrested by police and committed to a mental institution after threatening suicide.
“Trump’s world is dynamic, volatile, innovative”
The task of campaign manager – without the title – was entrusted to an experienced duo. First, Susie Wiles. This well-known consultant from Florida has worked to elect dozens of candidates, including Donald Trump in 2016 and 2020, whom she helped win this key state. Apparently impressed by her talent, he hired her as an advisor. This little 66-year-old lady knows how to manage big egos, undoubtedly thanks to the experience of her father, a former American football player who became a famous sports commentator. She herself avoids the spotlight and never speaks to the press. So far, she has been able to navigate among the factions without attracting too many enemies. A near feat. “Trump’s world is dynamic, volatile, innovative and constantly changing and Susie is his rock,” Matt Gaetz, a Florida representative who knows her well, told CNN.
His partner, Chris LaCivita, an ex-marine, also participated in a multitude of electoral campaigns during his long career. He became known for a vicious attack on John Kerry intended to discredit the Democratic contender for the presidency in 2004. He then ordered a series of commercials in which former soldiers accused Kerry of having exaggerated his war actions and not to deserve his many decorations. False attacks, but which harmed the candidate. In 2020, Chris LaCivita joined Donald Trump’s re-election committee. He is not the only one. There are many veterans of the White House or previous campaigns in the entourage, such as Jason Miller, long-time advisor, Dan Scavino, former deputy secretary general, etc.
Trump’s advisers are in an ejection seat
The team focused on establishing on-the-ground infrastructure in key primary states, such as Iowa, to mobilize voters. She also courted local party bosses behind the scenes to choose delegates favorable to the ex-president at the party convention next summer.
Two months before the primaries, Donald Trump is leading a slimmed-down campaign. He has not participated in any debates, gives few interviews, and spends more time these days in court than in electoral rallies. “One of the successes of his team was to have succeeded in destroying Ron DeSantis, who represented a credible threat, very early on, using a slow and methodical approach,” continues Brian Seitchik. The former president’s secret weapon is Susie Wiles. Having orchestrated DeSantis’ victory for governor in Florida in 2018 – before getting angry with him – she knows his strengths, but also his weaknesses.
How long will the ex-president listen to those around him? Mystery. Because Trump remains Trump. Last year, he caused major controversy when he had dinner with Nick Fuentes, a white supremacist known for his anti-Semitism. His candidates, too extremist, had little success in the mid-term elections and, recently, he declared that Hezbollah was “very intelligent”. As for the advisors, they know they are in an ejection seat. In 2016 and 2020, he fired his campaign manager during the summer before the elections.
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