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Understanding the MAGA Playbook: In Conversation with Anthony Scaramucci

Author Laura Roberts
Published 18 Mar 2025
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International Affairs

Hanover’s International Affairs team has extensive experience providing strategic communications support to governments, ministries, embassies, political parties and philanthropic organisations across the world.

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In a recent Hanover webinar, Anthony Scaramucci, host of “The Rest is Politics: US” and former White House Communications Director, offered a stark assessment of the MAGA strategy under Trump 2.0.

During the discussion with Gavin Megaw, Hanover's President & Managing Partner, Scaramucci painted a picture of a disruptive, isolationist, and potentially destabilising approach to both domestic and international affairs.

Trump's Media-Driven Strategy
 
 
Scaramucci described Trump as a "TV producer" President, intent on dominating the news cycle and shaping public discourse. Unlike his first term, Trump now surrounds himself with loyalists, wielding presidential power with a newfound understanding and a disregard for traditional diplomatic norms. This includes challenging established alliances like NATO and targeting people who were once considered “economically aspirational, but now economically ‘desperational’”, echoing the spirit of Occupy Wall Street but with a different target.  
 
Despite previously disavowing any interest in a third term, Trump and his team frequently allude to a 2028 run. This, said Scaramucci, combined with his alarming adherence to the Project 2025 plan (which he's also publicly disavowed), raises serious doubts about his willingness to leave office after a second term. 

 
Economic Isolationism and its Global Impact 
 
Trump's economic policies represent a resurgence of 19th-century protectionism, with a stated goal of repatriating 90% of US manufacturing. This aggressive strategy, Scaramucci argued, carries significant risks: a potential domestic recession, disruption to European economies, and the erosion of America's traditional commitment to free trade.  
 
These protectionist tariffs are viewed as symptomatic of an isolationist stance, a departure from America's historical role as a champion of free trade and global cooperation.

Scaramucci warned that such actions erode trust among allies, leading them to forge new partnerships and diminishing America's global influence: "When you shock your allies like this," he explained, "they reform different alliances... and they start to trust you less." 
 

Global Security Concerns and a Shifting World Order 
 
Turning attention towards international security dynamics, Scaramucci praised recent diplomatic efforts by leaders like Starmer and Macron, but also but remained uncertain about Trump's ultimate goals.  

Of particular concern is Russia's apparent gains during Trump's tenure; fractures within alliances like Five Eyes and NAFTA suggest weakening Western cohesion against adversarial powers like China or Russia itself. A scenario potentially leading towards what Scaramucci termed "a tripolar world order." 
 
The future of Ukraine and Taiwan adds to this instability, with potential mineral deals and escalating superpower tensions further complicating the geopolitical landscape.  

 
Internal Tensions within the MAGA Movement 
 
Behind the scenes, tensions are brewing, particularly between Trump, Vance, and Musk. Scaramucci described a dynamic where Trump relies on Musk's financial support while simultaneously undermining Vance, creating a fragile alliance. A strained relationship between Trump and Musk, fuelled by personal animosity and Trump's apparent discomfort with Musk's wealth, further complicates the situation.  
 
He predicted that Musk will likely retreat from government involvement after finishing his audit of DOGE and return to his business ventures. 
 
The Call for Unity and Principled Leadership 
 
Against this backdrop of disruption and uncertainty, Scaramucci emphasised the crucial need for strong, unified leadership. He urged global leaders to prioritise collaboration and shared values to counter rising authoritarianism and address the complex geopolitical challenges facing the world.  
 
He argued that principled leadership is the cornerstone of global stability in these turbulent times. 

This webinar took place on 4 March 2025. To access the full recording or learn more, please contact [email protected]

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Laura Roberts

Director of Marketing [email protected]
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