'He realizes the power he has': Trump insiders spill about 'risks' he's taking

A White House insider said that President Donald Trump’s federal takeover of Washington, D.C. could very well “end up permanent,” according to reporting Saturday from CNN.

“I could see where federalizing the police ends up permanent,” said a person described as someone “close to the White House,” speaking with CNN. “There’s plenty more than can be done.”

The nation’s capitol is currently swarming with more than 1,600 federal officers and several dozen members of the National Guard as part of Trump’s efforts to crack down on crime in the city, though the operation thus far has produced mixed results, with just over 100 arrests made during the first three days.

Trump has solid legal footing to take control over Washington, D.C., but for only 30 days. Extending the takeover any longer would require approval in the Senate, which remains highly unlikely given the GOP’s slim Senate majority.

Nevertheless, Trump, according to those close with the president and the White House, has felt emboldened during his second term, and far more likely to act beyond what his presidential authority permits.

“He is far more confident this term than when he first came to Washington,” said someone described by CNN as a “person close to Trump.” “He is self-assured in his decisions, and he is far more willing to take risks.”

A White House official, also speaking with CNN on the condition of anonymity, said that Trump felt “liberated” after taking back control of the White House last year, and after surviving countless legal battles that he viewed as a political prosecution.

“After 2021, everyone counted him for dead,” the White House official told CNN “A lot of what is driving his agenda stems from the fact he believes he was given a mandate in ‘24. Now he is enacting.”

Another factor insiders said was contributing to the president’s more aggressive administration the second go around was his current cabinet. Trump’s cabinet during his first presidency was fraught with leaks, dissent and high-profile departures.

Trump’s cabinet during his second term, however, was a different story.

“He’s got loyal people around him now,” said a Trump advisor, speaking with CNN on the condition of anonymity. “And he realizes the power that he has and the things that he can do.”