Donald Trump is reportedly dialing up the Democratic Party for guidance on the economy—a move so desperate it would make even his most loyal aides cringe. Multiple insiders tell The Daily Beast that the president has quietly reached across the aisle, seeking advice from Democrats on how to stop the economic slide threatening his image as the ultimate dealmaker.
The outreach began after Trump’s own economic advisers failed to produce any meaningful solutions. One source close to the situation called it “unprecedented and humiliating,” adding, “He’s literally begging the people he spent years demonizing to help him look competent.” Another insider confirmed that Trump’s team is contacting mid-level Democratic staffers and policy advisors rather than top leadership, apparently in search of actionable ideas.
Republicans, unsurprisingly, are appalled. “It’s embarrassing. If anyone thinks this shows flexibility or pragmatism, they’re kidding themselves,” a GOP strategist said. “This is the guy who ran campaigns painting Democrats as the enemy. Now he’s calling them for help? It’s astonishing and, frankly, sad.”
Sources indicate that Trump’s calls cover everything from unemployment figures to inflation metrics, with an eye toward policies that could deliver quick wins before the 2026 midterms. Economists warn that adopting Democratic ideas without understanding trade-offs could backfire spectacularly.
One economist told The Daily Beast, “If Trump implements Democratic ideas without understanding the trade-offs, it’s going to blow up spectacularly.”
Despite his social media bravado, insiders report that Trump is increasingly frustrated by the gap between his political theater and economic reality. One staffer recounted a meeting where Trump “went on for an hour about the stock market being ‘rigged’ and then asked, sincerely, if Democrats had any tips on fixing it”.
It’s unclear whether any of these cross-party conversations have produced concrete results. Sources say Trump’s aides are combing the Democratic playbook for policies they can spin as his own victories. Political observers warn that the spectacle could redefine norms if a president continues relying on those he spent years vilifying just to prop up his economic narrative.
Meanwhile, Republican donors and operatives are bracing for a PR nightmare. They fear Trump’s latest moves may make him appear weak or inconsistent to voters already skeptical of his leadership.
Whether this is a shrewd tactical pivot or a chaotic scramble to save face, it’s a rare and revealing moment for the man whose signature line has long been, “I alone can fix it.”
