The Good Fight Damon Linker on Why Trump 2.0 Is More Destructive Than Anyone Expected
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Jan 20, 2026 
Damon Linker, a senior lecturer in political science and writer for 'Notes from the Middleground', dives deep into the implications of Trump's second term. He explores how this tenure has exceeded grim expectations with a more effective use of executive power than before. They discuss the swift policy changes regarding tariffs and immigration and what those mean for the economy. Linker questions whether Trump's grand promises can pan out and warns about the Middle East as a potential flashpoint for international conflict.
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Manic Energy And Executive Follow-Through
- Trump 2.0 runs with far greater organizational energy and follow-through than his first term.
- Damon Linker says aides now know which levers to pull and act quickly to implement extreme policies.
From First-Term Friction To Second-Term Drive
- Linker recounts how Trump aides learned to wield executive power after the first term.
- He says that team regrouped during Trump's hiatus and hit the ground running once he returned.
Obstructionism Gave Way To Literalism
- The first-term 'adults in the room' did meaningfully gum up Trump's worst instincts.
- That obstructionism eroded and was punished by a base now demanding literal implementation of promises.