Jonathan Karl explores Trump's focus on retribution in new book

Key Concepts

• "Retribution: Donald Trump and the Campaign That Changed America": The title of Jonathan Karl's new book.
• "Say my name": A reference to the "Breaking Bad" character Walter White, used to illustrate Donald Trump's desire for acknowledgment of his victory.
• Mike Pence's handwritten notes: Documented a phone call with President Trump on January 6th, revealing Trump's pressure on Pence to overturn the election results.
• January 6th: The date of the Capitol attack, a significant event discussed in the context of Trump's actions and Pence's role.
• Loyalty vs. Credentials: A shift in Trump's criteria for selecting individuals for his administration, prioritizing deep loyalty over established expertise.
• 22nd Amendment: The constitutional amendment limiting a president to two elected terms.
• "Retribution": The central theme of the book, referring to Trump's actions driven by a desire to punish perceived enemies and reward allies.

Summary of "Retribution: Donald Trump and the Campaign That Changed America"

This summary details insights from Jonathan Karl's new book, "Retribution: Donald Trump and the Campaign That Changed America," which offers a behind-the-scenes look at pivotal moments in the White House and on the 2024 campaign trail. The book explores the dynamics that led to a shift in political power and examines Donald Trump's motivations and approach to governance.

The Post-Election Call and the "Say My Name" Moment

Jonathan Karl recounts a phone call with President Trump immediately after an election, where Trump sought explicit acknowledgment of his victory. Karl compares this interaction to a scene from "Breaking Bad," where the character Walter White demands recognition. Karl states, "Trump wanted to hear me say what had happened, wanted to hear me say, after all that I had written about him, to hear me say that he had won this great victory." This anecdote, Karl suggests, reveals Trump's approach to a potential second term, emphasizing his need for validation and affirmation of his achievements. Karl notes his long-standing relationship with Trump, having known him for over 30 years and spoken with him frequently during the campaign.

Mike Pence's Handwritten Notes and the January 6th Pressure

A significant revelation in the book comes from Mike Pence's never-before-seen handwritten notes from the morning of January 6th. These notes document a crucial phone call with President Trump, during which Trump allegedly called Pence a "wimp" for intending to certify Joe Biden's victory. Karl highlights the historical significance of these notes, especially given the extensive public scrutiny and investigations surrounding January 6th. He explains that while Pence referenced these notes in his memoir, their specific content remained undisclosed until now.

The notes, scribbled on Pence's day timer around 10:00 AM on January 6th, illustrate the immense pressure Pence was under as he was about to preside over the certification. Trump urged Pence to use his power, which Karl clarifies was "really nothing," to overturn the election. Pence's furious notes, Karl suggests, were an attempt to document the conversation for history. A particularly striking detail is what appears to be an emoji of an angry face, alongside a quote from Trump stating, "You listen to the wrong people." Pence's recorded response, "I listen to my heart and my mind," indicates his internal struggle and anguish. Karl notes the ambiguity of whether the anger expressed in the notes was Trump's or Pence's own.

The Rationale Behind Holding Back Information

Addressing the question of why such a detail was held for the book rather than reported in real-time, Karl explains that writing a book allows for a different caliber of journalism. He states, "I break news in this book because I am writing a book. It is a different kind of journalism. I am burrowing far deeper than I would ever be able to do in daily reporting." He emphasizes that people are more willing to share in-depth information for a book project than for a story that will air immediately, as it avoids immediate repercussions. Karl clarifies that the information was not "sat on" but rather unearthed during the book-writing process.

Loyalty Over Competence: The Redefinition of Qualifications

The book also delves into the shift in how Donald Trump evaluates individuals for positions of power, citing the nominations of Kristi Noem for Secretary of Homeland Security and Sean Duffy for Transportation Secretary. Karl suggests that Noem's nomination was a personal favor to Corey Lewandowski, despite concerns about her qualifications. Similarly, Duffy's appointment was made despite doubts about his relevant experience.

Karl contrasts this with Trump's first term, where he sought individuals with established credentials, such as Four-Star Generals John Kelly and Mattis, and experienced legal figures like Jeff Sessions and Bill Barr. However, Karl notes that Trump often felt these credentialed individuals lacked genuine loyalty. In the context of a potential second term, the emphasis has shifted dramatically: "So now it's not about what your credentials were. It's about how deeply loyal you are to him." Karl characterizes a potential second Trump Cabinet as one composed of individuals who have professed "near-total loyalty, if not total loyalty to Donald Trump."

Institutions Folding and the Third Term Speculation

Karl observes that a hallmark of a second Trump term would be the degree to which institutions have "folded to him." Regarding Trump's musings about running for a third term, Karl expresses skepticism about his seriousness, believing it's primarily a tactic to provoke reactions. However, he cautions that the idea is gaining traction and warrants attention. Karl states, "I'm not so sure that Trump is ready to hand over the baton." While Trump may understand the 22nd Amendment's limitations, Karl suggests that if Trump believes he is indispensable, he might be convinced to stay. He reveals that Trump has privately told close confidants, away from cameras and social media, that he does not intend to serve another term, though he acknowledges this could change.

The Operationalization of "Retribution"

Karl discusses the extent to which "retribution" has been operationalized in recent months. He believes Trump's current actions are largely driven by a desire to punish those he perceives as betrayers or adversaries, reward friends, and pursue a legacy, such as seeking the Nobel Peace Prize. Karl emphasizes that these motivations differ from his first term, as Trump is now contemplating "lasting changes to this country" and is "dead serious about getting back at his enemies."

Conclusion

Jonathan Karl's book, "Retribution: Donald Trump and the Campaign That Changed America," provides a deep dive into the inner workings of Donald Trump's political endeavors. Key takeaways include Trump's persistent need for validation, the intense pressure exerted on figures like Mike Pence, and a fundamental shift in his administration's selection criteria from credentials to unwavering loyalty. The book also explores the potential implications of Trump's "retribution" agenda and his contemplation of future political moves, suggesting a focus on lasting impact and settling scores with perceived enemies.