Donald Trump's Relationship with Steve Bannon: Can They Still Be Friends After the Presidency?
When Donald Trump was in the White House, the relationship between him and Steve Bannon was often seen as more complex than just a regular friendship. Bannon, who held the title of Chief Strategist, had a post describing his role as 'personal toilet slave' for Trump, which is a humorous and exaggerative way of denoting their close and often contentious working relationship.
Trump's Social Circle: More Than Just Friends
Donald Trump's social circle during his presidency was predominantly a collection of individuals who were more focused on political gain than personal friendship. It's widely acknowledged that Trump doesn't have true friends, only those who reap the benefits of their influence and proximity to power. This makes the question of whether Trump and Bannon will still be friends after his departure from the White House all the more intriguing.
Role of Advice in Their Relationship
During Trump's tenure, Bannon often provided ideas on both domestic and foreign policy. In many ways, Donald Trump is criticized for his lack of independent thought, with numerous commentators suggesting he relies heavily on the ideas and guidance of those around him. Their relationship was built more on mutual professional benefit rather than personal friendship.
Unlikely Friendship in Political Circles
Given the nature of their relationship and the expectations of political figures, it's highly unlikely that Trump and Bannon will remain friends after the end of Trump's presidency. Both men are known for their staunch political beliefs, and it's difficult to envision any personal connection that could withstand the test of time amidst their political careers.
A Brendan Nyhan, Professor at the University of Michigan, comments, 'I don’t believe that either man has any real friends so it is very unlikely that they are friends with each other. I could be wrong about Bannon. He may have friends. But Trump doesn’t.' This statement highlights the difficulty in forming and maintaining personal bonds in the political arena, particularly for someone like Trump, who is often seen as being more Machiavellian than relationship-driven.
The Impact of Professionalism on Friendship
Donald Trump's relationship with Steve Bannon exemplifies the challenge of maintaining personal connections in politics. While they may retain a professional relationship based on mutual benefit, the nature of politics often makes it difficult to sustain genuine personal friendships. A political friendship is often hindered by the fast-paced dynamics of the political landscape, where alliances and ideologies can shift rapidly.
Bannon, on the other hand, is still known for his conservative views and continues to represent the same principles and talking points as when he advised the President. This suggests that while their professional relationship may continue, their personal dynamics could be quite strained.
It's worth noting that other individuals, such as Mike Miller, who opposes Bannon, are seeking to become a more valuable source of advice for Trump. This further underscores the complex and often pragmatic nature of political relationships.
Conclusion
While Donald Trump and Steve Bannon have had a significant professional relationship, the likelihood of them maintaining a true friendship after the presidency is slim. Their relationship is rooted more in mutual professional benefit than genuine personal connection, which is typical in the cutthroat world of politics.