Get part one here. As Project 2025 outlines an ambitious and public vision for reshaping America, Trump’s inner circle reveals an equally dangerous, though younger, group of individuals. These aren’t the seasoned political operatives with long histories of conviction and criminal behavior like Bannon or Stone. Instead, they represent a more polished, media-savvy, and ideologically driven faction with the same anti-democratic values under a more modern veneer.

It’s crucial to understand why the people closest to Trump, a narcissist, are so influential. Trump’s worldview is shaped by those who know how to manipulate his need for loyalty and flattery. The men in this second group have agendas that align not with the GOP’s stated goals or even Project 2025 but with a more radical and authoritarian vision for America. These men are skilled at whispering in Trump’s ear, shaping his policies and political strategies not through policy papers or formal governance but through personal loyalty and constant affirmation of his beliefs.

The danger here isn’t just in the policies they advocate but in how they push Trump toward authoritarianism. As they quietly maneuver behind the scenes, they shape his views on immigration, race, and governance in ways that undermine democracy itself. As the saying goes, “You can judge a man by the company he keeps.”—Trump’s willingness to surround himself with these men speaks volumes about his true intentions for America.

Today, we focus on the younger players, who may or may not have criminal convictions but pose a grave threat to democratic norms.

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Tucker Carlson

Alias: The Firebrand
DOB: May 16, 1969 (currently 55 years old)
Affiliation: Right-wing Media Personality, Former Host at Fox News

Views on Democracy:

Tucker Carlson’s views on democracy are deeply troubling. While he often cloaks his rhetoric in the guise of defending “freedom” and “American values,” Carlson has regularly promoted conspiracy theories that undermine faith in democratic institutions. He’s consistently questioned the legitimacy of elections, suggested that specific demographics are a threat to American identity, and advocated for anti-democratic policies that prioritize nationalism over individual rights. He is a big supporter of Putin and Russia.

Why Trump Trusts Him:
Trump and Carlson share a symbiotic relationship, with Trump often echoing Carlson’s on-air rhetoric and Carlson using his platform to bolster Trump’s standing with conservative viewers. Carlson’s media reach and ability to manipulate public opinion made him indispensable to Trump’s post-2020 election strategy. Trump trusts Carlson because of his ability to frame narratives that resonate with his base, providing validation for Trump’s most controversial policies.

Carlson’s Impact:
Carlson’s role in shaping public opinion within the right-wing ecosystem cannot be understated. Three examples of his influence include:

• Anti-Immigrant Rhetoric: Carlson has long been a proponent of the “Great Replacement” theory, which falsely claims that immigrants are being brought in to replace native-born Americans, thus fueling xenophobia and undermining the ideals of a pluralistic democracy.
• Undermining the 2020 Election: Carlson repeatedly cast doubt on the legitimacy of the 2020 election, helping to spread baseless claims of voter fraud that contributed to the January 6th insurrection.
• Promotion of Nationalism: Carlson consistently promotes an exclusionary version of nationalism that aligns closely with Trump’s America First ideology, which seeks to restrict immigration and prioritize the interests of white, Christian Americans.

Modus Operandi:
Carlson uses his media platform as a megaphone for divisive and authoritarian ideas. By appealing to fears about cultural change, Carlson pushes narratives that question the legitimacy of democratic processes and stoke division. His reliance on inflammatory rhetoric and conspiracy theories has made him one of the most dangerous figures in the media landscape today.

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Stephen Miller

Views on Democracy:
Miller’s vision for America is rooted in an ethno-nationalist worldview antithetical to democracy. His policy ideas revolve around limiting immigration, maintaining a majority-white demographic, and curbing democratic freedoms in the name of national security. Miller has consistently shown disdain for the principles of inclusivity and equality central to democratic governance.

Alias: The Architect of Trump’s Immigration Policy
DOB: August 23, 1985 (currently 39 years old)
Affiliation: Former Senior Advisor to President Trump

Why Trump Trusts Him:
Miller’s staunch loyalty and alignment with Trump’s anti-immigrant rhetoric made him one of Trump’s most trusted advisors. Miller’s ability to craft policies that appealed to Trump’s base while pushing the boundaries of legality and human rights earned him Trump’s confidence.

Miller’s Impact:
Miller’s influence on Trump’s administration was significant, particularly in shaping immigration policy. His three most impactful contributions include:

• The Travel Ban: Miller was the architect behind Trump’s Muslim travel ban, which barred entry to the U.S. from several predominantly Muslim countries, sparking outrage and legal battles.
• Family Separation: Miller was also a key figure in the implementation of the family separation policy, which led to thousands of children being taken from their parents at the U.S.-Mexico border.
• DACA Rollback: Miller was instrumental in Trump’s attempt to dismantle the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, which protected undocumented immigrants brought to the U.S. as children from deportation.

Modus Operandi:
Miller operates by exploiting fear and pushing policies that align with white nationalist ideologies. He has worked tirelessly to craft legislation that restricts immigration and promotes nativist ideas. His ability to shape Trump’s most draconian policies on immigration and civil liberties makes him one of the most dangerous figures to emerge from Trump’s presidency.

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Corey Lewandowski

Alias: The Enforcer
DOB: September 18, 1973 (currently 51 years old)
Affiliation: Former Campaign Manager for Trump

Views on Democracy:
Lewandowski seems to view democracy as a tool to be manipulated for personal and political gain. Throughout his career, he has shown little regard for transparency or accountability, using underhanded tactics to keep Trump’s campaign on track. His aggressive style reflects a “win at any cost” mentality that places loyalty to Trump above democratic norms.

Why Trump Trusts Him:
Lewandowski’s loyalty and willingness to bend the rules to secure victories for Trump made him an essential figure in Trump’s campaign. Lewandowski’s hard-nosed tactics and fierce defense of Trump’s political persona earned him the trust of the former president, even as his actions raised ethical concerns.

Lewandowski’s Impact:
Lewandowski was critical to Trump’s early campaign success. His most notable contributions include:

• Managing Trump’s 2016 Campaign: Lewandowski was instrumental in managing Trump’s chaotic but ultimately successful 2016 presidential campaign.
• Media Manipulation: Known for his combative style, Lewandowski helped Trump dominate the media cycle, turning controversies into opportunities for more coverage.
• Election Denial: Lewandowski supported Trump’s false claims of election fraud in 2020, furthering the narrative undermining trust in the electoral process.

Modus Operandi:
Lewandowski uses aggressive, confrontational tactics to win political battles. His disdain for traditional campaign strategies and ethical standards made him a perfect match for Trump’s outsider campaign in 2016. Lewandowski’s loyalty to Trump remains strong, despite scandals and legal battles, as he continues to be an influential figure behind the scenes.

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Johnny McEntee

Alias: The Gatekeeper
DOB: May 9, 1990 (currently 34 years old)
Affiliation: Former Director of Presidential Personnel in Trump’s Administration

Views on Democracy:
McEntee’s role in Trump’s administration revolved around loyalty tests and ensuring that only Trump loyalists filled key positions, often at the expense of qualifications or adherence to democratic norms. His approach suggests a preference for authoritarian governance, where loyalty to a single leader is valued over competence or democratic principles.

Why Trump Trusts Him:
McEntee’s loyalty to Trump was absolute. Starting as Trump’s personal aide, McEntee’s willingness to protect Trump’s interests above all else earned him significant power within the administration. Trump valued McEntee’s role as an enforcer of loyalty, ensuring that dissenters were removed from key positions.

McEntee’s Impact:
McEntee’s control over personnel decisions had far-reaching effects on the administration. His three most impactful contributions include:

• Purging the Government: McEntee orchestrated the sweeping removal of officials deemed insufficiently loyal to Trump and replaced them with political loyalists.
• Loyalty Over Competence: Under McEntee’s leadership, many unqualified but loyal individuals were placed in key positions, weakening the effectiveness of government agencies.
• 2020 Election Aftermath: McEntee continued to support Trump’s claims of election fraud, working behind the scenes to install loyalists who would back Trump’s efforts to overturn the results.

Modus Operandi:
McEntee operates through loyalty enforcement, ensuring that only those who pledge fealty to Trump are given power. His role in reshaping the administration into a loyalty-driven machine was pivotal in enabling Trump’s authoritarian tendencies. McEntee’s actions reflect a profound disregard for the democratic process, focusing instead on consolidating power around Trump.

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The Threat from Trump’s Goon Squad

As we turn our attention to Trump’s “bad boys,” it becomes clear that while they may not have the criminal convictions of their predecessors, they represent an equally insidious threat to democracy. Tucker Carlson, Stephen Miller, Corey Lewandowski, and Johnny McEntee are not just loyalists—they are architects of a more authoritarian America, where democratic norms are sacrificed for personal loyalty to a leader. They operate in the shadows, shaping Trump’s worldview and pushing him further from democratic principles.

Having individuals like these whispering in Trump’s ear, guiding his every move, poses a danger to the future of American democracy. Their influence is felt in every policy, every executive decision, and every attack on the democratic process. If Trump is to rise again, it will be because these men and others like them have successfully reshaped his vision into something far darker and more dangerous than ever before.

Catch “From Russia with Lev” on MSNBC. This gripping documentary tells the gripping story of Lev Parnas, the Ukrainian-American businessman who got tangled in Trump’s political schemes, including shadow diplomacy with Ukraine and efforts to influence the 2020 election. Through exclusive interviews and unseen footage, this documentary uncovers the dark, reality-show politics that defined the Trump era. It premieres Friday at 9 PM on MSNBC.