Maureen Dowd, a seasoned journalist who’s covered Washington for decades, recently sat down with Patrick Healy to unpack President Trump’s second term and his remarkable hold on power. Known for her sharp insights into presidential behavior, Dowd shared her thoughts on Trump’s transformation from a controversial first-term leader to a seemingly unstoppable force in his second act.

In this episode of The Opinions, Healy and Dowd dove into Trump’s unique methods of exercising authority. Dowd reflected on how the president has shifted from being viewed as a divisive figure to someone who now appears to command the political stage with unprecedented control. “Is this real, or is it all just a performance?” Healy asked, pointing to Trump’s recent inaugural speech as a defining moment of his presidency.

Dowd’s analysis highlighted Trump’s ability to dominate narratives and shape public perception, a skill she’s observed closely over the years. She noted that while his first term was marked by chaos and unpredictability, his second term seems to project a more deliberate and calculated approach to wielding power.

For the full conversation, listeners can tune in to The Opinions podcast, available on platforms like Apple, Spotify, and Amazon Music. Whether you’re a longtime follower of Trump’s presidency or just curious about his evolving leadership style, this discussion offers a compelling look at one of the most polarizing figures in modern politics.