Last month, when Brian Swenson, a top aide to Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, joined former President Donald Trump’s campaign, it sparked a wave of discontent among Trump’s advisers. They viewed Swenson’s move as self-promotion, bypassing the campaign’s top brass. This incident is emblematic of the challenges faced by Trump’s 2024 team in controlling the messaging and media narrative surrounding the GOP front-runner.
Trump’s current team, led by seasoned Republican strategists Chris LaCivita and Susie Wiles, is considered his most disciplined yet. They are working tirelessly to prevent internal leaks that plagued Trump’s 2016 campaign and his presidency. However, they face an uphill battle as they navigate a broad spectrum of Trump allies eager to leverage their ties to the former president ahead of the 2024 election.
Despite their efforts, the campaign has been dogged by speculation about potential vice presidential picks and Cabinet members. This speculation has been fueled by anonymous sources and has increased as Trump’s primary lead has grown. The campaign’s frustration is palpable, especially when unauthorized individuals claim involvement in the campaign’s decision-making processes.
One such instance involved Kash Patel, a former Trump administration official, who allegedly claimed to be part of the vetting process for a potential vice presidential pick. This claim was vehemently denied by three senior advisers. Patel, a Trump loyalist, continues to hold sway with the former president and is widely viewed as a potential national security official in a second Trump administration.
Trump’s campaign has also been grappling with the activities of several organizations formed by former administration officials. These groups, including the America First Policy Institute (AFPI), have been preparing for a potential second Trump term by vetting future officials, drafting policy proposals, and planning executive orders. However, their actions have not always been well-received by the campaign, particularly when they appear to overstep their bounds or prematurely claim credit for their work.
Despite these challenges, Trump’s campaign remains focused on controlling the narrative and maintaining discipline. However, they face a unique obstacle in the form of Trump himself, who is known for his tendency to ignore prepared remarks and seek outside advice. As the 2024 election approaches, the campaign will continue to navigate these complexities in their quest to regain the White House.