In "Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House," Michael Wolff explores the dynamics within Trump's inner circle during his presidency. A notable point of contention arose with Steve Bannon, who publicly claimed to be the intellectual force behind Trump. This assertion did not sit well with the president, leading to significant tensions between the two. Bannon's self-promotion as Trump's "brain" was perceived as overstepping, highlighting the struggles for influence within the administration.

The book delves into the chaotic environment of Trump's White House, marked by power struggles, conflicting personalities, and a lack of cohesion. Bannon's boastfulness exemplified the challenges of leadership in such a tumultuous setting, reflecting on how these relationships impacted decision-making and governance. The fallout from Bannon's comments ultimately strained his relationship with the president, illustrating the fragile nature of alliances in the political arena.