×

Trump should go back to what works

As the administration of Donald Trump progresses, it becomes clear that he has a marginal understanding of the party that nominated him in Cleveland. Despite being an opponent of the Iraq War and a leading critic of the neo-conservative faction of the GOP, Rex Tillerson, his newly minted Secretary of State, proposed Elliot Abrams as his number two. Smartly, Trump nixed the appointment.

Abrams, who was involved in every scheme from Iran-Contra to the Iraq War, stands for everything in foreign policy that Trump ostensibly opposes. He is closer to John McCain than he is the President and has never seen a war that he did not like. Why Tillerson would try to reinstate a broken-down warhorse from the Bush years is a puzzlement. Fortunately, Trump spied a hindrance and made the correct decision.

Part of the problem is the way Trump manages, believing that argument and turmoil will produce a good result. Sometimes organized chaos works but usually it becomes chaos without purpose. Stephen Miller, Steven Bannon and all the rest argue and leak, leak and argue or those close to them do. Trump’s dependence on Jared Kushner also leads to confusion. Throw in the tweets and you have a circus.

At first it appeared to work; often opponents went for the bait. But then came the immigration ban, sloppily written and inartfully put forth. It has drawn way too much of the President’s attention. Meanwhile, the old boy neo-cons and plunder-bunders try to reinstate themselves. Even if Trump eventually wins, he lost a valuable three weeks.

Moreover, Trump was elected by people who may have been wary of some of his ideas but, for larger reasons, took a chance. Nothing in the past weeks has reassured these votes. Not since Jimmy Carter vetoed some water projects in the west has an administration gotten off to this rough a start. If he had reassured the public first, which he needed to do, he would be in better shape. But Trump, in the confusion, has, for some, lived up to their worst fears.

Tax cuts, reorientation of foreign policy, a new broom, all of these themes have done better. Instead he went for the hottest issue, burned his fingers and wasted time. Also, some of his cabinet appointments were spotty, thus forcing Sen. Mitch McConnell to ram them through — ensuring, for him, problems down the road. Despite Trump’s espousal of covert approaches, he is a bit too transparent.

But in his favor, how does one trust the GOP? They are champion game players hemming and hawing and hinting how they are distressed by their chief executive, all the while acting as a block. Indeed, Minority Leader Chuck Schumer was absolutely correct to suggest that Neil Gorsuch’s remarks were canned to make them appear independent. For Democrats, it would be better to trust Trump than the party that attempts to use him. Cynicism has been taken to a higher form by the Republican party.

Indeed, Trump has gotten in trouble by listening to the denizens of the far right. Perhaps he should reflect that he beat this group. As for the so-called moderate Republicans who are a bit like Sasquatch, talked about but seldom seen, they are always on the alert to do him in, for he is only as good as he does their bidding. It is time for Trump to return to the style that won him the election.

NEWSLETTER

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *

Starting at $3.92/week.

Subscribe Today