Jonathan Lemire
@jonlemire.bsky.social
Co-host: Morning Joe, MSNBC
Contributing Writer: The Atlantic
Author: "The Big Lie."
Ex-AP, Politico, NY Daily News.
Dad, Mr. Carrie Melago, Red Sox fan
Contributing Writer: The Atlantic
Author: "The Big Lie."
Ex-AP, Politico, NY Daily News.
Dad, Mr. Carrie Melago, Red Sox fan
Back in April, President Trump boasted that he “ruled the world.”
Honestly, it was hard to argue with him
But as 2025 draws to a close, Trump seems a whole lot smaller www.theatlantic.com/politics/202...
Honestly, it was hard to argue with him
But as 2025 draws to a close, Trump seems a whole lot smaller www.theatlantic.com/politics/202...
Trump Is Suddenly Looking a Lot Smaller
The president is no longer dominating his party or the country in the way he once did.
www.theatlantic.com
December 24, 2025 at 1:47 PM
Back in April, President Trump boasted that he “ruled the world.”
Honestly, it was hard to argue with him
But as 2025 draws to a close, Trump seems a whole lot smaller www.theatlantic.com/politics/202...
Honestly, it was hard to argue with him
But as 2025 draws to a close, Trump seems a whole lot smaller www.theatlantic.com/politics/202...
NEW: President Trump spent much of the year as a steamroller
But as 2025 ends, he seems much smaller now
Republicans took losses and are starting to defy him. He seems out of touch and focused on legacy. And Epstein won’t go away
A shrinking president: www.theatlantic.com/politics/202...
But as 2025 ends, he seems much smaller now
Republicans took losses and are starting to defy him. He seems out of touch and focused on legacy. And Epstein won’t go away
A shrinking president: www.theatlantic.com/politics/202...
Trump Is Suddenly Looking a Lot Smaller
The president is no longer dominating his party or the country in the way he once did.
www.theatlantic.com
December 24, 2025 at 2:36 AM
NEW: President Trump spent much of the year as a steamroller
But as 2025 ends, he seems much smaller now
Republicans took losses and are starting to defy him. He seems out of touch and focused on legacy. And Epstein won’t go away
A shrinking president: www.theatlantic.com/politics/202...
But as 2025 ends, he seems much smaller now
Republicans took losses and are starting to defy him. He seems out of touch and focused on legacy. And Epstein won’t go away
A shrinking president: www.theatlantic.com/politics/202...
NEW: Susie Wiles aims to be a chief of staff who brings order to the White House and stays out of headlines
Well then! That’s sure over now
Inside Wiles’ stunning interviews - and how the White House’s response shows that Trump still needs her. For now www.theatlantic.com/politics/202...
Well then! That’s sure over now
Inside Wiles’ stunning interviews - and how the White House’s response shows that Trump still needs her. For now www.theatlantic.com/politics/202...
Trump Still Needs Susie Wiles
The president made clear he supports his chief of staff despite her Vanity Fair comments.
www.theatlantic.com
December 17, 2025 at 2:23 AM
NEW: Susie Wiles aims to be a chief of staff who brings order to the White House and stays out of headlines
Well then! That’s sure over now
Inside Wiles’ stunning interviews - and how the White House’s response shows that Trump still needs her. For now www.theatlantic.com/politics/202...
Well then! That’s sure over now
Inside Wiles’ stunning interviews - and how the White House’s response shows that Trump still needs her. For now www.theatlantic.com/politics/202...
NEW: Ukraine’s Latest Attacks Showcase Its Desperation
Kyiv had long resisted hitting tankers carrying Russian oil
But with the Trump administration ramping up the pressure on Ukraine to take a deal - maybe a bad one - Zelensky opted to widen the war www.theatlantic.com/national-sec...
Kyiv had long resisted hitting tankers carrying Russian oil
But with the Trump administration ramping up the pressure on Ukraine to take a deal - maybe a bad one - Zelensky opted to widen the war www.theatlantic.com/national-sec...
The War Moves From Ukraine to the High Seas
New rules of engagement that allow Ukraine to hit oil tankers are a sign of Kyiv's desperation.
www.theatlantic.com
December 10, 2025 at 7:38 PM
NEW: Ukraine’s Latest Attacks Showcase Its Desperation
Kyiv had long resisted hitting tankers carrying Russian oil
But with the Trump administration ramping up the pressure on Ukraine to take a deal - maybe a bad one - Zelensky opted to widen the war www.theatlantic.com/national-sec...
Kyiv had long resisted hitting tankers carrying Russian oil
But with the Trump administration ramping up the pressure on Ukraine to take a deal - maybe a bad one - Zelensky opted to widen the war www.theatlantic.com/national-sec...
December 6, 2025 at 1:46 PM
NEW: The Worst Part of Pete Hegseth’s Very Bad Week
Lawmakers are finally waking up to the problems the defense secretary has created www.theatlantic.com/national-sec...
Lawmakers are finally waking up to the problems the defense secretary has created www.theatlantic.com/national-sec...
Pete Hegseth Is Seriously Testing Trump’s ‘No Scalps’ Rule
Lawmakers are finally waking up to the problems the defense secretary has created.
www.theatlantic.com
December 6, 2025 at 1:43 PM
NEW: The Worst Part of Pete Hegseth’s Very Bad Week
Lawmakers are finally waking up to the problems the defense secretary has created www.theatlantic.com/national-sec...
Lawmakers are finally waking up to the problems the defense secretary has created www.theatlantic.com/national-sec...
There were tentative plans to get Trump on the road to support the Big Beautiful Bill
But he instead focused on Gaza and Putin summit - and didn’t want to face questions when Epstein scandal exploded
This year’s GOP candidates also only got tele-rallies www.theatlantic.com/politics/202...
But he instead focused on Gaza and Putin summit - and didn’t want to face questions when Epstein scandal exploded
This year’s GOP candidates also only got tele-rallies www.theatlantic.com/politics/202...
The Bubble-Wrapped President
Trump surrounds himself with those who flatter him in places where he is comfortable.
www.theatlantic.com
December 1, 2025 at 9:23 PM
There were tentative plans to get Trump on the road to support the Big Beautiful Bill
But he instead focused on Gaza and Putin summit - and didn’t want to face questions when Epstein scandal exploded
This year’s GOP candidates also only got tele-rallies www.theatlantic.com/politics/202...
But he instead focused on Gaza and Putin summit - and didn’t want to face questions when Epstein scandal exploded
This year’s GOP candidates also only got tele-rallies www.theatlantic.com/politics/202...
Trump’s echo chamber:
Very little U.S travel
No rallies or contact with supporters
Right-wing media
Dinners with rich donors and billionaires
Truth Social
Lack of staff to tell him no www.theatlantic.com/politics/202...
Very little U.S travel
No rallies or contact with supporters
Right-wing media
Dinners with rich donors and billionaires
Truth Social
Lack of staff to tell him no www.theatlantic.com/politics/202...
The Bubble-Wrapped President
Trump surrounds himself with those who flatter him in places where he is comfortable.
www.theatlantic.com
December 1, 2025 at 3:53 PM
Trump’s echo chamber:
Very little U.S travel
No rallies or contact with supporters
Right-wing media
Dinners with rich donors and billionaires
Truth Social
Lack of staff to tell him no www.theatlantic.com/politics/202...
Very little U.S travel
No rallies or contact with supporters
Right-wing media
Dinners with rich donors and billionaires
Truth Social
Lack of staff to tell him no www.theatlantic.com/politics/202...
Trump’s rallies always gave him a feel for his base - and a chance to meet local leaders
In the first year of initial term, he did a lot of domestic travel. This October and November: not a single U.S. trip beyond his own clubs www.theatlantic.com/politics/202...
In the first year of initial term, he did a lot of domestic travel. This October and November: not a single U.S. trip beyond his own clubs www.theatlantic.com/politics/202...
The Bubble-Wrapped President
Trump surrounds himself with those who flatter him in places where he is comfortable.
www.theatlantic.com
December 1, 2025 at 1:26 PM
Trump’s rallies always gave him a feel for his base - and a chance to meet local leaders
In the first year of initial term, he did a lot of domestic travel. This October and November: not a single U.S. trip beyond his own clubs www.theatlantic.com/politics/202...
In the first year of initial term, he did a lot of domestic travel. This October and November: not a single U.S. trip beyond his own clubs www.theatlantic.com/politics/202...
NEW: President Trump has never before been in such an echo chamber
His domestic travel has basically stopped. He sees rich donors and MAGA media, not actual voters
Everyone around him is saying he is right. But polls show more Americans think he is wrong www.theatlantic.com/politics/202...
His domestic travel has basically stopped. He sees rich donors and MAGA media, not actual voters
Everyone around him is saying he is right. But polls show more Americans think he is wrong www.theatlantic.com/politics/202...
Trump Has Never Been More Isolated
Even Trump’s allies worry that he has become out of touch with what the public wants.
www.theatlantic.com
December 1, 2025 at 12:43 PM
NEW: President Trump has never before been in such an echo chamber
His domestic travel has basically stopped. He sees rich donors and MAGA media, not actual voters
Everyone around him is saying he is right. But polls show more Americans think he is wrong www.theatlantic.com/politics/202...
His domestic travel has basically stopped. He sees rich donors and MAGA media, not actual voters
Everyone around him is saying he is right. But polls show more Americans think he is wrong www.theatlantic.com/politics/202...
The Trump Steamroller Is Broken
Infighting. Bad polls. Party divisions. Midterm fears. It’s all back. www.theatlantic.com/politics/202...
Infighting. Bad polls. Party divisions. Midterm fears. It’s all back. www.theatlantic.com/politics/202...
The Trump Steamroller Is Broken
Infighting. Bad polls. Party divisions. Midterm fears. It’s all back.
www.theatlantic.com
November 20, 2025 at 12:27 PM
The Trump Steamroller Is Broken
Infighting. Bad polls. Party divisions. Midterm fears. It’s all back. www.theatlantic.com/politics/202...
Infighting. Bad polls. Party divisions. Midterm fears. It’s all back. www.theatlantic.com/politics/202...
“A rare GOP rebellion on Capitol Hill rattled the West Wing and embarrassed Trump. And although the White House likes to project a political image of never surrendering, a pair of retreats in the past few days has punctured Trump’s aura of invincibility” www.theatlantic.com/politics/202...
The Trump Steamroller Is Broken
Infighting. Bad polls. Party divisions. Midterm fears. It’s all back.
www.theatlantic.com
November 20, 2025 at 10:34 AM
“A rare GOP rebellion on Capitol Hill rattled the West Wing and embarrassed Trump. And although the White House likes to project a political image of never surrendering, a pair of retreats in the past few days has punctured Trump’s aura of invincibility” www.theatlantic.com/politics/202...
NEW: Ten months into the president’s second term, Trump 2.0 is for the first time starting to resemble the chaotic original
That new sense of political weakness has emboldened Democrats and given the GOP a chance to - just maybe - create a little space www.theatlantic.com/politics/202...
That new sense of political weakness has emboldened Democrats and given the GOP a chance to - just maybe - create a little space www.theatlantic.com/politics/202...
Trump 2.0 Suddenly Looks Like Trump 1.0
Infighting. Bad polls. Party divisions. Midterm fears. It’s all back.
www.theatlantic.com
November 20, 2025 at 1:03 AM
NEW: Ten months into the president’s second term, Trump 2.0 is for the first time starting to resemble the chaotic original
That new sense of political weakness has emboldened Democrats and given the GOP a chance to - just maybe - create a little space www.theatlantic.com/politics/202...
That new sense of political weakness has emboldened Democrats and given the GOP a chance to - just maybe - create a little space www.theatlantic.com/politics/202...
All this, of course, raises the question:
What exactly is Trump trying to prevent from being released? www.theatlantic.com/politics/202...
What exactly is Trump trying to prevent from being released? www.theatlantic.com/politics/202...
Epstein Returns at the Worst Time for Trump
The president is desperate to make the questions go away, but there is no sign they will.
www.theatlantic.com
November 14, 2025 at 2:14 AM
All this, of course, raises the question:
What exactly is Trump trying to prevent from being released? www.theatlantic.com/politics/202...
What exactly is Trump trying to prevent from being released? www.theatlantic.com/politics/202...
Some dread has crept into the West Wing now that Trump faces a rare rebuke from fellow Republicans, including some who have been among his most loyal MAGA foot soldiers
But though his efforts to bully the House failed, Trump may push GOP senators next www.theatlantic.com/politics/202...
But though his efforts to bully the House failed, Trump may push GOP senators next www.theatlantic.com/politics/202...
Epstein Returns at the Worst Time for Trump
The president is desperate to make the questions go away, but there is no sign they will.
www.theatlantic.com
November 14, 2025 at 1:42 AM
Some dread has crept into the West Wing now that Trump faces a rare rebuke from fellow Republicans, including some who have been among his most loyal MAGA foot soldiers
But though his efforts to bully the House failed, Trump may push GOP senators next www.theatlantic.com/politics/202...
But though his efforts to bully the House failed, Trump may push GOP senators next www.theatlantic.com/politics/202...
NEW: Jeffrey Epstein is dead
But the scandal continues to shadow Trump and its reemergence dealt another blow to a president already at the weakest moment of his second term
Even a Trump ally says he is “not acting like someone who has nothing to hide” www.theatlantic.com/politics/202...
But the scandal continues to shadow Trump and its reemergence dealt another blow to a president already at the weakest moment of his second term
Even a Trump ally says he is “not acting like someone who has nothing to hide” www.theatlantic.com/politics/202...
Epstein Returns at the Worst Time for Trump
The president is desperate to make the questions go away, but there is no sign they will.
www.theatlantic.com
November 14, 2025 at 1:41 AM
NEW: Jeffrey Epstein is dead
But the scandal continues to shadow Trump and its reemergence dealt another blow to a president already at the weakest moment of his second term
Even a Trump ally says he is “not acting like someone who has nothing to hide” www.theatlantic.com/politics/202...
But the scandal continues to shadow Trump and its reemergence dealt another blow to a president already at the weakest moment of his second term
Even a Trump ally says he is “not acting like someone who has nothing to hide” www.theatlantic.com/politics/202...
NEW: Momentum was building towards ending the shutdown
And then Election Day happened
Quiet negotiations do continue. But both sides are digging in for a potentially long fight
Trump shows no interest in comprising. And more real-world pain is coming www.theatlantic.com/politics/202...
And then Election Day happened
Quiet negotiations do continue. But both sides are digging in for a potentially long fight
Trump shows no interest in comprising. And more real-world pain is coming www.theatlantic.com/politics/202...
Just When It Looked Like the Shutdown Might End
Election Day happened.
www.theatlantic.com
November 7, 2025 at 1:54 AM
NEW: Momentum was building towards ending the shutdown
And then Election Day happened
Quiet negotiations do continue. But both sides are digging in for a potentially long fight
Trump shows no interest in comprising. And more real-world pain is coming www.theatlantic.com/politics/202...
And then Election Day happened
Quiet negotiations do continue. But both sides are digging in for a potentially long fight
Trump shows no interest in comprising. And more real-world pain is coming www.theatlantic.com/politics/202...
“Mamdani will take the oath of office on January 1 and start leading a city of nearly 8.5 million people. The five boroughs’ residents-–some excited, some uncertain-–will be watching. And so will one ex–New Yorker about 200 miles south” www.theatlantic.com/politics/202...
Mamdani Is the Foil Trump Wants
Prepare to hear a lot about New York’s new mayor.
www.theatlantic.com
November 5, 2025 at 3:40 PM
“Mamdani will take the oath of office on January 1 and start leading a city of nearly 8.5 million people. The five boroughs’ residents-–some excited, some uncertain-–will be watching. And so will one ex–New Yorker about 200 miles south” www.theatlantic.com/politics/202...
Trump scrapped the Gateway Tunnel but has largely spared New York City - until now
He was waiting for the mayor’s race. But with Mamdani’s win, Trump intends to pressure NYC: ICE raids, National Guard, more cancelled projects
Mamdani says he’s ready www.theatlantic.com/politics/202...
He was waiting for the mayor’s race. But with Mamdani’s win, Trump intends to pressure NYC: ICE raids, National Guard, more cancelled projects
Mamdani says he’s ready www.theatlantic.com/politics/202...
Mamdani Is the Foil Trump Wants
Prepare to hear a lot about New York’s new mayor.
www.theatlantic.com
November 5, 2025 at 12:10 PM
Trump scrapped the Gateway Tunnel but has largely spared New York City - until now
He was waiting for the mayor’s race. But with Mamdani’s win, Trump intends to pressure NYC: ICE raids, National Guard, more cancelled projects
Mamdani says he’s ready www.theatlantic.com/politics/202...
He was waiting for the mayor’s race. But with Mamdani’s win, Trump intends to pressure NYC: ICE raids, National Guard, more cancelled projects
Mamdani says he’s ready www.theatlantic.com/politics/202...
NEW: Zohran Mamdani will be the unlikeliest mayor in NYC history
He vanquished Cuomo (again) and will have to trade lofty promises for gritty governing
And now Mamdani faces a war with the president, himself a New Yorker. It’s the fight Trump wants www.theatlantic.com/politics/202...
He vanquished Cuomo (again) and will have to trade lofty promises for gritty governing
And now Mamdani faces a war with the president, himself a New Yorker. It’s the fight Trump wants www.theatlantic.com/politics/202...
Mamdani Is the Foil Trump Wants
Prepare to hear a lot about New York’s new mayor.
www.theatlantic.com
November 5, 2025 at 11:38 AM
NEW: Zohran Mamdani will be the unlikeliest mayor in NYC history
He vanquished Cuomo (again) and will have to trade lofty promises for gritty governing
And now Mamdani faces a war with the president, himself a New Yorker. It’s the fight Trump wants www.theatlantic.com/politics/202...
He vanquished Cuomo (again) and will have to trade lofty promises for gritty governing
And now Mamdani faces a war with the president, himself a New Yorker. It’s the fight Trump wants www.theatlantic.com/politics/202...
NEW: Baseball is thriving. Now please, MLB, don’t blow it
A classic World Series shows again that the sport is back. But a long work stoppage looms after next year - and risks enraging fans and undoing all of the game’s momentum
Make a deal. My latest: www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archiv...
A classic World Series shows again that the sport is back. But a long work stoppage looms after next year - and risks enraging fans and undoing all of the game’s momentum
Make a deal. My latest: www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archiv...
Don’t Blow This, Baseball
The thrilling World Series shows that baseball is truly back—just in time for its next crisis.
www.theatlantic.com
October 31, 2025 at 1:04 PM
NEW: Baseball is thriving. Now please, MLB, don’t blow it
A classic World Series shows again that the sport is back. But a long work stoppage looms after next year - and risks enraging fans and undoing all of the game’s momentum
Make a deal. My latest: www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archiv...
A classic World Series shows again that the sport is back. But a long work stoppage looms after next year - and risks enraging fans and undoing all of the game’s momentum
Make a deal. My latest: www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archiv...
“But when it comes to the government shutdown, Trump barely seems to be paying attention” www.theatlantic.com/politics/arc...
The Government Is Closed. The President Is MIA.
Trump has been busy with everything but the government shutdown.
www.theatlantic.com
October 29, 2025 at 2:21 PM
“But when it comes to the government shutdown, Trump barely seems to be paying attention” www.theatlantic.com/politics/arc...
“The president loves the idea of DONALD J. TRUMP BALLROOM—written in gold letters—etched in the White House. (He recently told reporters that he would not name it after himself, and, if you believe that, we’ve got a fully intact East Wing to sell you)” www.theatlantic.com/politics/arc...
The Government Is Closed. The President Is MIA.
Trump has been busy with everything but the government shutdown.
www.theatlantic.com
October 29, 2025 at 1:09 PM
“The president loves the idea of DONALD J. TRUMP BALLROOM—written in gold letters—etched in the White House. (He recently told reporters that he would not name it after himself, and, if you believe that, we’ve got a fully intact East Wing to sell you)” www.theatlantic.com/politics/arc...
NEW: The government is closed. The President is MIA
Believing Democrats would splinter, Trump deliberately ignored the shutdown. But his polls have tumbled. And more Americans will hurt in the days ahead
Now even some in GOP think Trump needs to act www.theatlantic.com/politics/arc...
Believing Democrats would splinter, Trump deliberately ignored the shutdown. But his polls have tumbled. And more Americans will hurt in the days ahead
Now even some in GOP think Trump needs to act www.theatlantic.com/politics/arc...
The Government Is Closed. The President Is MIA.
Trump has been busy with everything but the government shutdown.
www.theatlantic.com
October 29, 2025 at 12:21 PM
NEW: The government is closed. The President is MIA
Believing Democrats would splinter, Trump deliberately ignored the shutdown. But his polls have tumbled. And more Americans will hurt in the days ahead
Now even some in GOP think Trump needs to act www.theatlantic.com/politics/arc...
Believing Democrats would splinter, Trump deliberately ignored the shutdown. But his polls have tumbled. And more Americans will hurt in the days ahead
Now even some in GOP think Trump needs to act www.theatlantic.com/politics/arc...