When political shockwaves ripple from Washington, there’s usually a hard-nosed strategist somewhere behind the curtain. In the case of Donald Trump’s return to the White House, that man is Chris LaCivita — blunt, brash, and unapologetically combative. His influence can be felt not only in the campaign that paved Trump’s path back to power but also in the aggressive rollout of policy that has defined the early months of Trump’s second term.LaCivita’s approach is clear: no patience for bureaucracy, no sympathy for critics, and absolutely no tolerance for weakness. Whether it’s “dumb Europeans” complaining about tariffs or “bedwetters” on Wall Street fretting over economic volatility, he cuts through the noise with a strategy that favors disruption over diplomacy.
The Political Animal in a Room of Taxidermy
It’s fitting that the recent interview with LaCivita for Playbook Deep Dive took place in a room filled with taxidermied animals. Symbolically, it’s a display of conquest — a metaphor for how he views politics. Every move is about winning, often at the expense of the other side. As one of Trump’s key campaign lieutenants, LaCivita wasn’t just building strategies; he was shaping the tone and tempo of an entire movement.
And that tone hasn’t softened now that Trump is back in office. The swift burst of executive orders in the first 50 days — over 100 by some counts — confirms what LaCivita always knew: Trump doesn’t slow down once he gets power. As LaCivita put it, “Donald Trump does more before 8 a.m. than most people do all day.”
Tariffs, Trade, and Tough Talk
Among the most headline-grabbing actions of the new administration are the proposed and implemented tariffs. These measures have provoked swift reactions, especially from European and Canadian leaders, many of whom Trump and LaCivita view as having taken advantage of long-standing trade imbalances. Trump’s retaliatory stance — for example, threatening a 200% tariff on champagne in response to European moves — fits snugly with LaCivita’s worldview.
To critics warning that these aggressive tariffs could hurt small businesses or destabilize the stock market, LaCivita shows little concern. Calling market skeptics “bedwetters,” he dismisses their fears as overreactions to necessary disruption. He argues that volatility is a constant in the economy and that the shock therapy being administered by the administration is not only strategic but overdue.
Rebuilding Gaza and Musk’s Shadow
LaCivita also touched on international issues, such as Trump’s rumored interest in the redevelopment of Gaza. Though he offered limited specifics, he hinted at an ambitious plan under wraps, consistent with Trump’s larger-than-life branding.
One of the more curious dynamics in the administration is the role of Elon Musk. While LaCivita made it clear that Musk has no formal power — “He’s not president. He doesn’t get to make those decisions,” — his frequent comments and growing influence among conservatives raise questions. Still, LaCivita believes the media’s focus on Musk is more about creating a boogeyman than recognizing any real political authority.
Immigration and Media Diversion
Given how central immigration was to Trump’s campaign messaging, many expected mass deportations and sweeping border security reforms to dominate the first few months. While LaCivita insists the administration is following through on these promises, he blames the media for deliberately shifting focus to government spending and figures like Musk. According to him, immigration is still being addressed — just not on the front page, because it no longer serves the media’s preferred narrative.
He believes that conservatives benefit from fighting on the battleground of government spending. Programs like USAID, in LaCivita’s view, are ripe targets for cuts, especially when framed against domestic concerns. “Why are we paying to study the sex habits of snails?” he scoffs, making a populist case for redirection of federal funds.
The Susie Wiles Factor
Every juggernaut needs someone to hold it together, and for this White House, that someone is Susie Wiles. LaCivita had high praise for his longtime colleague, calling her a “tough cookie” who manages chaos with grace and keeps competing interests aligned. She may not be as loud or in-your-face as LaCivita, but she’s a quiet force within Trump’s orbit.
Wiles is tasked with navigating one of the toughest roles in politics — managing internal White House affairs while maintaining forward momentum on Trump’s volatile agenda. If LaCivita is the blunt instrument, Wiles is the scalpel, and together they form a surprisingly effective team.
The Controversy Around Project 2025
One of the more politically fraught issues LaCivita addressed was Project 2025 — a sweeping policy playbook created by the Heritage Foundation and other right-wing think tanks. During the campaign, Trump’s team worked hard to distance itself from it. LaCivita explained why: some of the proposals were simply too extreme or unfamiliar, even to Trump himself.
He clarified that much of Project 2025 consists of standard conservative goals — tax cuts, smaller government, deregulation — but sprinkled among them were policy ideas that blindsided the campaign. “Where the hell did this come from?” was Trump’s reaction to some of the published excerpts. Despite this, many former Project 2025 contributors are now inside the administration, and pieces of the plan have crept into current policy. Whether this was a quiet embrace or a strategic absorption remains unclear. But it underscores LaCivita’s broader message: in politics, the battle over perception is just as important as policy.
Conclusion
Chris LaCivita may not have an official White House title, but his fingerprints are all over this administration’s strategy. He’s the guy who relishes a fight, embraces volatility, and sees politics as a zero-sum game. To him, the discomfort of critics is a sign of progress, not a red flag. In a landscape where norms are constantly being challenged, LaCivita’s unapologetic approach — from tariffs to media manipulation — is a clear signal of how this presidency intends to govern: fast, loud, and without apology.
MTO News: The Rise and Reign of Urban Celebrity Media
FAQs
What are his thoughts on tariffs and trade?
LaCivita supports Trump’s aggressive tariffs, viewing them as corrections to longstanding imbalances, especially with Europe and Canada.
Is Project 2025 part of Trump’s second-term agenda?
While the campaign distanced itself from Project 2025, elements of it are showing up in policy, and former contributors are part of the administration.
What’s his view on stock market fears?
He dismisses them as overreactions, referring to worried investors as “bedwetters,” and believes the volatility is a small price for systemic correction.
Does LaCivita work in the White House?
No, he remained in the private sector after the election, which gives him more freedom to speak candidly about Trump’s strategy and inner circle.
