Journalist dissects Trump White House

Jim VandeHei at #NACoLeg: Understand Trump by reading up on Steve Bannon's "America First" vision 

Jim VandeHei, political insider, and co-founder of both Axios and Politico, spoke to NACo members about political changes brought by President Donald Trump and advised local governments what to expect from the White House over the next four years.

“Keep expecting volatility, then just be delighted when normal stuff happens,” VandeHei told the crowd during the NACo opening general session.

It has been difficult to predict the actions of the White House since Trump took the oath of office, he said. VandeHei explained this is because Trump and his team have refused to follow any sort of blueprint or plan since he won the election. Instead, Trump’s White House has mainly been reactive to the media.

But, VandeHei countered, the “only place he’s been consistent on is this idea of ‘America first,’” so local governments can expect him to keep focusing on stimulating the economy, reducing illegal immigration and protecting American manufacturing.

“I don’t want to be the one to break it to you but [Trump] is not going to be impeached. This is the reality. …Forget the hyperventilating. Look at what are the things we know about Donald Trump, and what does that mean about how he’s willing to govern?” VandeHei said, noting that when a president has the full control of Congress they can likely push their agenda through both the House and the Senate.

Vandehei added, “Here’s what we do know, there’s not a lot of method to the madness”

One way to predict Trump’s actions is to keep a close eye on the beliefs and actions of those around him, especially his family and closest advisors.

“If there’s one thing you should spend your time reading up on, it is Steve Bannon and his vision of America first and his vision of nationalism. You hear his words coming out of Donald Trump’s mind more than anyone else, even his daughter,” VandeHei said. “And this guy for better or for worse has a very different worldview than most conservatives.”

Looking forward, VandeHei predicted that Republicans could do very well in the 2018 midterm elections since conservatives typically “are better voters in off-year elections.” Also, many Democratic Senate seats are up for grabs in states Trump won in the 2016 election.

While much of today’s political debate occurs on the national level, VandeHei praised the elected officials in the room for the work they do locally. He noted that he got his start in journalism covering county government in small-town Wisconsin.

 He told the local officials, “You actually get a lot more done than politicians do on the national level.”