How Deep Does Loyalty Run in Washington? A Closer Look at Trump’s Relationships

In the cutthroat world of Washington politics, the concept of loyalty often seems like a fleeting illusion, a concept too abstract and rare to sustain any true, lasting friendships.

President Harry S. Truman is often quoted as saying, “If you want a friend in Washington, get a dog,” which reflects the idea that friendships in the nation’s capital are elusive at best.

However, this famous quote was not actually from Truman himself. In reality, Truman was once given a dog named Feller, but his wife, Bess, didn’t allow the dog to stay at the White House, and it was ultimately entrusted to the family physician for care.

This myth about loyalty in Washington is reinforced by the dramatic and often bitter feuds that unfold among the political elite. A recent high-profile example is the fallout between President Trump and Elon Musk.

Once close allies, their relationship took a nosedive after Musk expressed his frustrations over certain policies, including his objections to the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.

This bill, which was touted as a fiscal reform measure, ended up increasing the deficit by $2.5 trillion over the next decade. Musk, who had previously referred to Trump as his “first buddy,” quickly turned on the President, calling for the bill’s defeat, vowing to form a new independent party, and even suggesting Trump might be linked to the notorious Epstein files.

The social media back-and-forth between the two powerful figures was ugly, with Musk threatening to impeach Trump and Trump retaliating by threatening to cut Musk's lucrative government contracts.

This dramatic clash has reinforced the prevailing view that there are no true friendships in Washington, particularly when it comes to high-profile figures. The Trump-Musk fallout, however, is not necessarily an accurate representation of political loyalty—or the lack thereof—across the entire landscape of American politics.

While it may be a high-profile clash between two larger-than-life personalities with enormous egos and vast fortunes, the broader picture of loyalty in Washington is more complex.

The truth is that, while politicians often experience fleeting alliances and tactical partnerships, there are still examples of enduring loyalty, especially when it comes to figures like President Trump, who has proven time and time again that his loyalty lies with the American people, not with political elites or self-serving allies.

The fall-out between Musk and Trump is more an example of two self-interested, extremely wealthy, and ambitious men battling for control and attention than it is a reflection of Washington’s loyalty culture.

Their clash is a reminder that true loyalty between political figures is often undermined by personal ego, ambition, and competitive instincts. After all, political relationships are often transactional—built on shared goals and mutually beneficial alliances, but easily torn apart when those interests diverge.

This is especially true when both parties involved are looking to advance their own careers and agendas at any cost. Their feud is entertaining, but it’s not exactly reflective of how loyalty works in the greater political world.

The breakdown in their relationship also raises an important question: Is it possible to have real loyalty in a political environment where the mantra of “winning at all costs” is ingrained in every action, speech, and strategy?

The answer is complicated. Yes, loyalty in Washington exists, but it is often tested, strained, and sometimes lost due to the shifting sands of power, money, and influence.

Take, for example, the many defections and fallouts that occurred during President Trump’s first administration. Throughout his time in office, numerous high-profile figures who initially pledged loyalty to Trump eventually broke ranks or were ousted from his administration.

From Michael Flynn and Rex Tillerson to John Kelly, James Mattis, H.R. McMaster, John Bolton, and even Nikki Haley, many prominent figures found themselves either dismissed or departing from the administration, often after public disagreements and internal struggles.

Some of these individuals, particularly the ones who had long careers in government, had their own agendas and found themselves at odds with Trump’s unorthodox leadership style, which was at times abrasive and disruptive to the established political order.

These departures aren’t an anomaly—they’re a feature of Washington politics, where the stakes are always high, and the struggles for power are often vicious.

Loyalty is often tested in the crucible of political conflict, where individuals’ personal ambitions can easily overshadow any prior sense of duty to their colleagues or superiors.

In Trump’s case, many of those who served under him eventually realized that aligning themselves too closely with him was detrimental to their own career trajectories.

It’s easy to claim loyalty when everything is going well, but the true test comes when the chips are down, when decisions have to be made that will shape the future of not only the country but the people involved.

At the same time, Trump has shown an uncanny ability to weather storms, maintaining strong, loyal support from the people who believe in his vision for America.

His administration was not without its challenges, but one thing that became evident over time was that the loyalty he cultivated was grounded in shared values—values that were rooted in putting the American people first, not Washington elites.

This loyalty wasn’t superficial or based on political expediency; it was forged through shared principles of national greatness and a commitment to fighting for the everyday American citizen.

The story of Trump’s loyalty is not just confined to his tenure in office. It also extends to his continued influence in the Republican Party and his strong base of supporters who have stuck by him through thick and thin.

In contrast to the political elites who constantly shift alliances in pursuit of power, Trump’s relationship with his supporters remains steadfast. He has created a political movement built on loyalty to the people and a commitment to putting America first.

It is this kind of loyalty that stands in stark contrast to the political maneuvering and backstabbing that are often seen in Washington.

This brings us to another important point about loyalty in Washington. It’s not just about relationships between politicians. It’s also about the loyalty that exists between politicians and their constituencies.

While many in Washington engage in petty power struggles, Trump’s connection to his base remains one of the strongest examples of political loyalty. His supporters view him as someone who genuinely understands their concerns, represents their interests, and is willing to take on the political establishment in ways that few other figures have been willing to do.

This kind of loyalty is rare in Washington, where many politicians often prioritize their own political careers over their duty to the people who elected them.

In contrast, some of President Biden’s closest allies have remained largely silent in the face of his obvious decline in mental acuity. Biden’s press secretary, Karine Jean-Pierre, recently switched her party affiliation to Independent, publishing a book about the dysfunction and decline she witnessed in the White House.

This reflects the growing sense of disillusionment among those who initially pledged their loyalty to Biden but who are now finding it difficult to ignore the failures of the current administration.

This illustrates that loyalty in Washington is often fragile and contingent on the performance of those in power. When politicians or leaders fail to live up to expectations, loyalty can quickly evaporate.

Moreover, Washington loyalty is not just confined to politicians themselves. It extends to the broader network of individuals who work in politics—the staffers, consultants, lobbyists, and others who orbit the political world.

Many of these people will remain loyal to their former bosses and colleagues, often moving from one position of power to another, widening their circle of influence.

However, some people who are in the spotlight for a brief period—whether as media stars or book authors—find their circle of friends shrinking as their time in the public eye fades. This creates an interesting dynamic in Washington, where loyalty can be fleeting, and friendships can be just as transient.

As for the Trump-Musk super feud, it serves as a reminder that the political world, particularly at the highest levels, is defined by power struggles, egos, and self-interest.

Their conflict has little relevance for the average American, who is more concerned with the issues that affect their daily lives. The fallout between Musk and Trump doesn’t reflect the loyalty that is built on genuine principles, but rather the fractured nature of relationships between those who are fighting for dominance in an increasingly competitive environment.

It’s a spectacle, one that entertains but doesn’t truly represent the kind of loyalty that can sustain long-term political success.

In the end, while Washington is indeed a place where loyalty is often tested and at times abandoned, there are still examples of lasting loyalty based on shared values, principles, and a commitment to the American people.

Trump’s relationship with his base and his unwavering focus on putting America first serve as a testament to the fact that loyalty, even in the volatile world of Washington politics, can still run deep when it’s rooted in something bigger than personal ambition.