Businessman Donald Trump previously used the pseudonym John Barron and John Miller to drop information within media that served his interests. The activity long known, and the intent was easily understood. President Trump has always known how to use media.
There are many who have questioned why President Trump has often allowed New York Times journalist Maggie Haberman access to him; and some have been frustrated because the outcomes of that access have often resulted in negative stories. However, when taken in context, President Trump’s allowance of Haberman can be viewed through the same prism of his history using John Barron/John Miller.
As a result, while there is often a skewed negativity behind the outcomes of the Haberman stories, there are also elements of truth within the manipulated context of them. A recent story about President Trump and Elon Musk carries that same sense.
Haberman writes that President Trump is growing weary of Musk’s constant proximity, calling the tone from Trump on the issue a situation where Musk is “clingy.”
While I doubt that President Trump would ever publicly distance himself from the influential billionaire, at least not while he serves a purpose for President Trump, there’s no reason to dismiss Haberman’s report as completely manufactured.
Musk is in the Trump orbit because President Trump has positioned Musk in the Trump orbit. However, when considering the full background of Musk’s activity in politics, there is a clear intention for the tech bros to want the proximity. Because these are influence games, it is worth paying attention to the inside baseball aspects.
(more…)