Former White House attorney Ty Cobb has painted a stark picture of what a second Trump administration could look like, describing it as being fueled by the former president’s "indiscriminate, narcissistic, vengeful nature." According to Cobb, Trump 2.0 won’t just be a continuation of his first term—it will be an evolution, one that fully embraces his most aggressive instincts and leadership style.
A Presidency with "Mob Boss" Tendencies?
Cobb, who served under Trump during Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation into Russian election interference, told Politico that the people surrounding Trump this time around are determined to seize the opportunities they feel they missed in his first term. "They didn’t fully realize what they now believe to be the powers of the presidency," Cobb explained. "They’re playing to Trump’s strengths, which is as a mob boss."
Trump, never one to let criticism go unanswered, fired back by dismissing Cobb as a "disgruntled former lawyer" in a June 2023 Truth Social post. However, Cobb’s characterization aligns with Trump’s own actions, as he continues to engage in high-stakes battles against institutions and individuals he perceives as adversaries.
Legal Maneuvers and Strategic Power Plays
Trump’s aggressive approach to power is evident in his dealings with major law firms. Some have chosen to avoid protracted legal battles by striking deals with him instead. Firms like Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom and Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton, & Garrison have reportedly conceded to Trump’s demands rather than fight in court.
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Skadden agreed to conduct $100 million worth of pro bono legal work for Trump’s administration.
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Paul, Weiss committed to $40 million in pro bono work.
Trump has openly boasted about his ability to pressure these firms into submission. Just last week, he reveled in his success, quoting what he claimed were their responses: "Sir, thank you very much," and, "Where do I sign? Where do I sign?"
The War on Opposition
It’s not just law firms feeling the heat. Trump has taken direct aim at WilmerHale, the firm that once employed Robert Mueller, the special counsel responsible for investigating his Russia ties. His retaliatory measures even included executive orders designed to block WilmerHale and Jenner & Block attorneys from accessing federal buildings, participating in meetings, or securing government jobs. However, these moves have been met with judicial roadblocks, preventing him from fully executing his plans.
Media Clashes and High-Stakes Lawsuits
Trump’s battles extend far beyond the legal world—he’s waging war against the press, too. He previously barred the Associated Press from the Oval Office and has taken aggressive legal action against major media outlets.
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In December 2024, Trump won a $15 million defamation case against ABC News.
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He is currently suing CBS for a staggering $20 billion over a 60 Minutes interview with former Vice President Kamala Harris.
These actions underscore his strategy: If he can't control the narrative, he will attack those who shape it.
Taking on Academia
Even educational institutions haven’t been spared from Trump’s iron grip. Columbia University’s interim president was forced to step down after the institution agreed to a series of changes demanded by Trump’s administration—changes that followed the cancellation of $400 million in federal funding.
Harvard and other top universities have also found themselves in Trump’s crosshairs. Citing anti-Israel bias as his justification, Trump has pressured institutions into aligning with his administration's stance. Some universities are even reportedly hiring Republican lobbyists to their boards in an effort to stay on his good side, according to The New York Times.
The Crackdown on Dissent
Trump’s crackdown has extended beyond institutions to individuals, particularly those involved in pro-Palestinian activism. The arrests of Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia graduate student and lawful U.S. resident, and Tufts graduate student Rumeysa Ozturk, a Turkish citizen with a valid visa, serve as stark examples of the lengths to which Trump is willing to go to assert his authority.
What’s Next?
As Trump positions himself for another term, it’s clear that his approach will be even more aggressive than before. Whether through legal battles, media confrontations, or political maneuvering, Trump 2.0 is shaping up to be a presidency defined by retribution and an unwavering grip on power.
One thing is certain: if he returns to the White House, his second term won’t be about playing it safe. It will be about settling scores, pushing boundaries, and ensuring that his vision of power is fully realized. The question now is, how far will he go?
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