A Reflecting Pool fiasco sets off a wider look at Trump’s latest controversies
This preview is based on the episode’s published show notes, not the full audio. The hosts react to Trump’s Reflecting Pool repair mess and broaden the conversation to Iran talks, a revamped Qatari jet for Air Force One, Bill Pulte’s new intelligence role, and a book on Trump’s second term.
Based on the published show notes, this episode looks like a mix of fast-moving political reaction and a deeper reported conversation about Donald Trump’s second term. The opening focus is the Reflecting Pool, which Trump says must be drained for repairs despite earlier claims that its coating would last for decades. The notes suggest Jon, Tommy, and Lovett dig into the administration’s response, especially the blame placed on vandals and the push for federal arrests, framing it as part of a broader pattern of scapegoating. From there, the episode appears to widen into a roundup of major Trump-world developments. The show notes point to updates on JD Vance’s negotiations with Iran, Trump’s luxury renovation of a Qatari jet intended to become the new Air Force One, and the start of Bill Pulte’s term as acting Director of National Intelligence. If you’re looking for an episode that connects symbolic controversies with larger questions of power and governance, this one seems aimed squarely at that lane. The back half may be the biggest draw for listeners who want reported insight rather than just reaction. New York Times reporters Maggie Haberman and Jonathan Swan join Tommy to discuss their book, "Regime Change: Inside the Imperial Presidency of Donald Trump," which the notes describe as offering an inside look at Trump’s second term. If that combination of commentary, current events, and insider reporting interests you, this episode sounds worth queuing up.
About this episode
<div> <p>Donald Trump says the Reflecting Pool will need to be drained for repairs to the coating he said would "last for at least 50 years" — blaming vandals for the peeling and algae blooms that have turned his pet project into an instant mess, and ordering federal agents to start making arrests. Jon, Tommy, and Lovett react to the administration's scapegoating then turn to the rest of the news, including the latest from JD Vance's negotiations with Iran, Trump's luxurious renovation of the Qatari jet set to become the new Air Force One, and the beginning of Bill Pulte's term as acting Director of National Intelligence. Then, New York Times reporters Maggie Haberman and Jonathan Swan join Tommy to discuss their new book, "Regime Change: Inside the Imperial Presidency of Donald Trump," which offers an unparalleled look inside Trump's second term.</p><p>For a closed-captioned version of this episode, <a href="https://youtu.be/RD-QwYGvKeI">click here</a>. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast, episode title, and episode date.</p></div>