Michael Wolff tells his Inside Trump’s Head podcast that Donald Trump’s cultivated "strongman" image has often shielded him from political fallout, but two vulnerabilities could undermine his standing: public backlash to ICE operations in Minneapolis and disappointing economic performance. Polling shows a majority view ICE tactics as too harsh and only roughly one-third approve of Trump’s economic stewardship. Wolff argues these issues, amplified by high living costs and controversial law-enforcement actions, could become lasting political liabilities.
Michael Wolff: Minneapolis ICE Backlash and Economic Strain Could Be Trump's Biggest Achilles' Heels
One year into his norm-shattering second term, President Donald Trump is being dogged by at least two
Donald Trump projects an air of unshakable confidence one year into a second White House term, but his biographer Michael Wolff warns that visible vulnerabilities could puncture that "illusion of strength." On the Inside Trump’s Head podcast, Wolff argued that while Trump’s cultivated "strongman" persona has helped him weather controversies, two issues in particular—backlash to ICE operations in Minneapolis and persistent economic problems—pose significant political risk.
Two Vulnerabilities Wolff Highlights
“He’s a fool, and he may be a madman, and everything that he does is in some profound way counterproductive,”Wolff told co-host Joanna Coles.
“Except for the fact that this strongman persona pulls him through.”
Wolff said that Trump’s public persona of dominance has created a mythology that he can get away with almost anything. But he identified two emerging weaknesses that could threaten that advantage.
1. Minneapolis and ICE
Wolff described Minneapolis as an "Achilles heel," pointing to widespread public unease over U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) tactics after videos showing confrontations between local residents and ICE agents circulated widely. The controversy intensified following the Jan. 7 shooting of 37-year-old Renee Good by ICE agent Jonathan Ross, 43, which many Americans viewed as unjustified.
Polling cited by Wolff supports the shift in sentiment: a CBS News/YouGov poll conducted Jan. 14-16 found 52% of respondents said ICE is making communities less safe, while just 31% said the agency is making them more safe. The poll also found 61% consider ICE’s methods too harsh and 56% say the agency is not prioritizing dangerous criminals.
In response to the backlash, the White House authorized additional ICE agents in Minneapolis and the president’s public remarks about the slain mother of three drew further criticism. Wolff suggested the surge may also have been intended to shift attention away from other controversies, including scrutiny tied to the Jeffrey Epstein files.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem called Renee Good a
2. The Economy
Wolff called the economy "the largest Achilles' heel." Despite campaign promises to "vanish" inflation and "make America affordable again," many voters report feeling higher costs of living. A Reuters-Ipsos survey (Jan. 12-13) showed 36% approval for Trump’s handling of the economy; an AP-NORC poll (Jan. 8-11) showed 37%.
Co-host Joanna Coles noted rising grocery prices, higher healthcare premiums, and overall pressure on household budgets. Inflation remains elevated and unemployment measured at roughly 4.4% nationally—factors Wolff says could weigh heavily on public opinion.
Political Messaging And Reactions
Trump has suggested that weak poll numbers stem from communication failures rather than policy, publicly criticizing his public-relations team while pointing to stock market and retirement-account gains. When reached for comment about Wolff’s remarks, White House Deputy Press Secretary Abigail Jackson called the podcast discussion "equivalent to screaming into the void."
The latest episode of Inside Trump’s Head drew more than 295,000 views on YouTube, underscoring both public interest and the reach of these debates.
Context: Wolff is the author of the 2018 book Fire and Fury, which offered behind-the-scenes observations of the Trump White House. His podcast appearances frequently mix character assessment with political analysis.
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