Cell phone Quote by Michael Wolff
““Early on, before getting down to attacking each other, Bannon and Kushner were united in their separate offensives against Priebus. Kushner’s preferred outlet was Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski’s Morning Joe, one of the president’s certain morning shows. Bannon’s first port of call was the alt-right media (“Bannon’s Breitbart shenanigans,” in Walsh’s view). By the end of the first month in the White House, Bannon and Kushner had each built a network of primary outlets, as well as secondary ones to deflect from the obviousness of the primary ones, creating a White House that simultaneously displayed extreme animosity toward the press and yet great willingness to leak to it. In this, at least, Trump’s administration was achieving a landmark transparency. The constant leaking was often blamed on lower minions and permanent executive branch staff, culminating in late February with an all-hands meeting of staffers called by Sean Spicer—cell phones surrendered at the door—during which the press secretary issued threats of random phone checks and admonitions about the use of encrypted texting apps.””
About This Quote
Source Book: Fire and Fury by Michael Wolff, 2018
The administration used coordinated media attacks and leaks to control narrative, showing both hostility to press and willingness to feed it.
In simple terms: Trump team used leaks and media attacks to shape news.
Recognize how strategic leaks influence public perception.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- campaign management
- press relations
- crisis communication
- government transparency
- media monitoring
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How do leaks affect long‑term credibility?
- What ethical lines are crossed in strategic leaking?
Leaking can backfire, eroding trust and credibility.