WHEN Richard Nixon’s presidency began his attorney-general gave this piece of advice to reporters: “Watch what we do, not what we say.” In his first week in office the 45th president said plenty to comfort loyalists and confound foes with his extravagant and disorientating lies. The press corps dwelt on what it means to have a White House spokesman who makes statements that are readily disproved, working under a president whose claims about voter fraud are entirely bogus. The startling thing is that in these first few days Donald Trump has been just as extravagant in his deeds as in his words.
Incoming presidents like to use their powers to take swift action even when they have majorities in Congress. The order banning foreign NGOs that “actively promote” abortions from receiving federal money is a good example (see article). Even so, it is breathtaking how powerfully this president is signalling that he intends to honour campaign promises that some assumed were just talking points. So,...Continue reading
Source: United States http://ift.tt/2kxk5QV
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