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
Trump’s about-face was so abrupt and so unaccounted for that officials in Europe are scratching their heads about what, exactly, changed his mind
They’re speculating about criticism on Capitol Hill, caution from military advisers, and chaos in the markets www.theatlantic.com/national-sec...
They’re speculating about criticism on Capitol Hill, caution from military advisers, and chaos in the markets www.theatlantic.com/national-sec...
‘We Are Learning to Bully Back’
How Europe got Trump to cave on Greenland
www.theatlantic.com
January 24, 2026 at 1:36 PM
Trump’s about-face was so abrupt and so unaccounted for that officials in Europe are scratching their heads about what, exactly, changed his mind
They’re speculating about criticism on Capitol Hill, caution from military advisers, and chaos in the markets www.theatlantic.com/national-sec...
They’re speculating about criticism on Capitol Hill, caution from military advisers, and chaos in the markets www.theatlantic.com/national-sec...
NEW: President Trump gained little from his Greenland crusade—and lost influence and trust with America’s most important allies
“We are learning to bully back” www.theatlantic.com/national-sec...
“We are learning to bully back” www.theatlantic.com/national-sec...
‘We Are Learning to Bully Back’
How Europe got Trump to cave on Greenland
www.theatlantic.com
January 24, 2026 at 1:35 PM
NEW: President Trump gained little from his Greenland crusade—and lost influence and trust with America’s most important allies
“We are learning to bully back” www.theatlantic.com/national-sec...
“We are learning to bully back” www.theatlantic.com/national-sec...
Franklin D. Roosevelt likened lending Great Britain warships in the early days of World War II to loaning a neighbor a garden hose to put out the fire consuming his house
But now Donald Trump heads to Europe ready to set a bunch of new houses on fire www.theatlantic.com/national-sec...
But now Donald Trump heads to Europe ready to set a bunch of new houses on fire www.theatlantic.com/national-sec...
Davos Man May Burn the Whole Thing Down
Trump threatens to sever the U.S.-European alliance over Greenland.
www.theatlantic.com
January 21, 2026 at 2:05 AM
Franklin D. Roosevelt likened lending Great Britain warships in the early days of World War II to loaning a neighbor a garden hose to put out the fire consuming his house
But now Donald Trump heads to Europe ready to set a bunch of new houses on fire www.theatlantic.com/national-sec...
But now Donald Trump heads to Europe ready to set a bunch of new houses on fire www.theatlantic.com/national-sec...
NEW: In a year, Trump has upended America's relationship with the world
And now his thirst for Greenland threatens to unravel the alliance that has ensured decades of transatlantic peace, prosperity, and democracy
In Davos, Trump may blow it all up www.theatlantic.com/national-sec...
And now his thirst for Greenland threatens to unravel the alliance that has ensured decades of transatlantic peace, prosperity, and democracy
In Davos, Trump may blow it all up www.theatlantic.com/national-sec...
Greenland, Davos, and a Flame-Throwing President
Trump threatens to sever the U.S.-European alliance over Greenland.
www.theatlantic.com
January 21, 2026 at 1:51 AM
NEW: In a year, Trump has upended America's relationship with the world
And now his thirst for Greenland threatens to unravel the alliance that has ensured decades of transatlantic peace, prosperity, and democracy
In Davos, Trump may blow it all up www.theatlantic.com/national-sec...
And now his thirst for Greenland threatens to unravel the alliance that has ensured decades of transatlantic peace, prosperity, and democracy
In Davos, Trump may blow it all up www.theatlantic.com/national-sec...
Trump has been emboldened
Despite his low poll numbers, the president and his advisers believe that the Venezuela strike reignited his political momentum - and underscored the lack of concrete limits on his ability to wield power at home and abroad www.theatlantic.com/politics/202...
Despite his low poll numbers, the president and his advisers believe that the Venezuela strike reignited his political momentum - and underscored the lack of concrete limits on his ability to wield power at home and abroad www.theatlantic.com/politics/202...
A Breathtaking Week of Pure Trump Id
Military success in Venezuela has emboldened the president to flex his power even more.
www.theatlantic.com
January 13, 2026 at 12:51 PM
Trump has been emboldened
Despite his low poll numbers, the president and his advisers believe that the Venezuela strike reignited his political momentum - and underscored the lack of concrete limits on his ability to wield power at home and abroad www.theatlantic.com/politics/202...
Despite his low poll numbers, the president and his advisers believe that the Venezuela strike reignited his political momentum - and underscored the lack of concrete limits on his ability to wield power at home and abroad www.theatlantic.com/politics/202...
“Trump has set up what critics say is an extortionist racket of Caracas. He told its new leader, in essence, “Give us the oil we want, and we’ll let you stay in power,” and privately joked that Venezuela could be in the running to become the 51st state” www.theatlantic.com/politics/202...
A Breathtaking Week of Pure Trump Id
Military success in Venezuela has emboldened the president to flex his power even more.
www.theatlantic.com
January 13, 2026 at 12:38 PM
“Trump has set up what critics say is an extortionist racket of Caracas. He told its new leader, in essence, “Give us the oil we want, and we’ll let you stay in power,” and privately joked that Venezuela could be in the running to become the 51st state” www.theatlantic.com/politics/202...
NEW: Even for Donald Trump, it’s been quite the week
Venezuela. Greenland. ICE. Powell. Iran. And more.
Trump, though never restrained, is now pure id, acting on impulse and goaded on by advisers who see an opportunity to further expand executive power www.theatlantic.com/politics/202...
Venezuela. Greenland. ICE. Powell. Iran. And more.
Trump, though never restrained, is now pure id, acting on impulse and goaded on by advisers who see an opportunity to further expand executive power www.theatlantic.com/politics/202...
A Breathtaking Week of Pure Trump Id
Military success in Venezuela has emboldened the president to flex his power even more.
www.theatlantic.com
January 13, 2026 at 1:55 AM
NEW: Even for Donald Trump, it’s been quite the week
Venezuela. Greenland. ICE. Powell. Iran. And more.
Trump, though never restrained, is now pure id, acting on impulse and goaded on by advisers who see an opportunity to further expand executive power www.theatlantic.com/politics/202...
Venezuela. Greenland. ICE. Powell. Iran. And more.
Trump, though never restrained, is now pure id, acting on impulse and goaded on by advisers who see an opportunity to further expand executive power www.theatlantic.com/politics/202...
Some around Trump have delighted in Europe’s impassioned reaction to his latest desires for the mineral-rich island
“Let them squirm. Maybe we’ll take it; maybe we won’t. But after what we just saw in Caracas, do you want to try to call Trump’s bluff?” www.theatlantic.com/national-sec...
“Let them squirm. Maybe we’ll take it; maybe we won’t. But after what we just saw in Caracas, do you want to try to call Trump’s bluff?” www.theatlantic.com/national-sec...
Trump Seizing Greenland Could Set Off a Chain Reaction
After Venezuela, Europeans are taking the president’s threats seriously.
www.theatlantic.com
January 6, 2026 at 11:33 PM
Some around Trump have delighted in Europe’s impassioned reaction to his latest desires for the mineral-rich island
“Let them squirm. Maybe we’ll take it; maybe we won’t. But after what we just saw in Caracas, do you want to try to call Trump’s bluff?” www.theatlantic.com/national-sec...
“Let them squirm. Maybe we’ll take it; maybe we won’t. But after what we just saw in Caracas, do you want to try to call Trump’s bluff?” www.theatlantic.com/national-sec...
“Trump has pointedly not ruled out taking Greenland by force. And if the U.S. goes down that road, NATO will effectively cease to exist the moment the first military personnel enter Greenlandic territory” www.theatlantic.com/national-sec...
Trump Seizing Greenland Could Set Off a Chain Reaction
After Venezuela, Europeans are taking the president’s threats seriously.
www.theatlantic.com
January 6, 2026 at 11:32 PM
“Trump has pointedly not ruled out taking Greenland by force. And if the U.S. goes down that road, NATO will effectively cease to exist the moment the first military personnel enter Greenlandic territory” www.theatlantic.com/national-sec...
NEW: Is Greenland next?
After Trump’s strike on Venezuela, some Europeans think he may now act upon his desire for Greenland
And that, which could spell the end of NATO, might happen without any military force - and perhaps with just a Truth Social post www.theatlantic.com/national-sec...
After Trump’s strike on Venezuela, some Europeans think he may now act upon his desire for Greenland
And that, which could spell the end of NATO, might happen without any military force - and perhaps with just a Truth Social post www.theatlantic.com/national-sec...
Is Greenland Next?
After Venezuela, Europeans think Trump may actually be serious.
www.theatlantic.com
January 6, 2026 at 1:44 AM
NEW: Is Greenland next?
After Trump’s strike on Venezuela, some Europeans think he may now act upon his desire for Greenland
And that, which could spell the end of NATO, might happen without any military force - and perhaps with just a Truth Social post www.theatlantic.com/national-sec...
After Trump’s strike on Venezuela, some Europeans think he may now act upon his desire for Greenland
And that, which could spell the end of NATO, might happen without any military force - and perhaps with just a Truth Social post www.theatlantic.com/national-sec...
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...