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In the June 2025 cover story of The Atlantic, staff writers Ashley Parker and Michael Scherer conduct an in-depth exploration of the early days of Donald Trumps second presidency. The article exemplifies the high standards of magazine journalism, as it not only uncovers new information but also clarifies the dynamics that enabled Trumps return from what many considered to be political exile. I had the opportunity to speak with Ashley and Michael to delve deeper into their reporting process and hear the quirky story of how Michael inadvertently missed a late-night phone call from Trump himself.

David A. Graham: So, what is it like to miss a call from the president?

Michael Scherer: Interestingly enough, I had my phone ringer turned on that night, partly because I thought it was within the realm of possibility that the president might call back. Surprisingly, I didnt hear anything. I was already in bed before 1:28 a.m., which is when he attempted to reach me.

David: Given Trumps unusual schedule, how do you, as reporters, prepare for that unpredictability?

Michael: Clearly, I didnt handle that very well! The unpredictable nature of this presidency means that reporters have to adapt continuously. We faced cancellations, rejections for interviews, and numerous hurdles along the way; however, we eventually managed to secure two interviews, including time in the Oval Office with him. The process is never as straightforward as one might assume.

Ashley Parker: We did indeed attempt to be strategic in our planning. We called him on weekends and kept a close eye on daily White House schedules and pool reports. At times, it felt almost like stalkingmonitoring his activities the night before to gauge when he might be awake and available for a call, all to find that perfect moment.

David: I found it quite surprising that he picked up a call from an unknown number.

Michael: It seems he does answer unfamiliar calls. Other reporters have used this approach as well. However, its often not reporters who are reaching out; more frequently, its CEOs, wealthy acquaintances, or donors. For decades, the phone has been Trumps primary tool for communication, allowing him to connect with the outside world from his Manhattan office.

Ashley: Trump is undoubtedly a product of the era when he rose to prominence in 1980s New York, a time when magazine covers held significant sway. Its likely that he was intrigued by the notion of appearing on the cover of a publication that has not shied away from being critical of him. The Atlantic has published numerous incisive pieces about him, and the prospect of us telling the narrative of his comeback and how he is wielding power in contemporary America seemed to pique his interestit was as if he saw it as yet another challenge to conquer.

David: In what ways is Trump different in private compared to how the public perceives him on television?

Ashley: To truly understand Trump, one must recognize that he is perpetually in a competitive mindsetwhether its the moment, the hour, the day, or the person hes engaging with. This doesnt mean he is always charming in one-on-one encounters. Yet, he can be a consummate host and incredibly charismatic. When hes attempting to win over individuals like Michael, myself, or Jeffrey Goldberg in the Oval Office, his demeanor shifts drastically compared to how he interacts with rally crowds, who might expect him to mock or heckle us.

Michael: Unlike most politicians, Trump doesnt see any contradiction in labeling someone a 'sleazebag' or 'lunatic' one day and then being exceedingly charming the next.

David: It appears he views interactions with the media as a game. Just last week, he posted on Truth Social that he participated in the interview out of curiosity, and as a competition with myself.

Ashley: Theres also a component of 'game recognizes game' in how he approached our conversation. He referenced the recent incident dubbed 'Signalgate,' portraying it as a form of success. When Jeff asked him to elaborate on that idea of success, Trump revealed his underlying mindsetsuccess is defined by how effectively one can dominate the news cycle, regardless of the context.

David: After initially declining the interview, Trump sent this remark through an aide: I won the election in a landslide, and there isnt anyone who can say anything about that. What can they write about? He seems to be touching upon a crucial point. Given the overwhelming public opinion about Trump, what do you perceive your role as journalists covering him during this term? Moreover, how do you combat what could be reader fatigue?

Michael: Today, many individuals consume political news in bite-sized snippets, which often fail to provide a complete picture. We dedicated two months to crafting this story, striving to paint a comprehensive picture of the circumstances surrounding Trumps resurgence, as well as his governing style and identity.

Ashley: I genuinely believe that in the context of Trump, in-depth journalism is more essential than ever. The value of piecing these narratives together and presenting a cohesive story is significant, as it allows the American public to grasp the situation in a meaningful way, independent of the latest shocking tweet he made at 1 a.m. on a Sunday.

For more on this in-depth exploration, be sure to read the complete cover story.