Jonathan Swan's 3 things that every CEO needs to know about Trump

According to Axios journalist Jim VandeHei, citing insights from reporter Jonathan Swan's recent book, CEOs navigating the Trump administration need to understand three key dynamics. First: Trump's singular obsession is being remembered as a Great Man of world history — so pitch him ideas that build monuments, literal or figurative, to his legacy. Second: understand his inner circle. While Trump generates public chaos, his real decisions flow through a small group of loyalists including Vice President Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and chief of staff Susie Wiles — they sometimes coordinate discreetly in the Situation Room to limit leaks. Third: expect more volatility. Trump is playing for history and favors grand gestures, whether that's a deal with China to reshape global power or territorial expansion. And a bonus: don't underestimate direct access. Trump takes calls long after midnight, and getting his ear through a late-night line can sometimes be more effective than official channels.

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