# The Trump Administration: A Clusterfuck in the Making **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [December 7, 2016, 12:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-administration-a-clusterfuck-in-the-making/774070 "2016-12-07T00:25:42Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1472
**Author:** ![Slash1972](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/slash1972/32/6461_2.png) [@Slash1972](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Slash1972)\ **Post date:** [January 14, 2019, 3:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-administration-a-clusterfuck-in-the-making/774070/29425 "2019-01-14T15:25:54Z")
> [@Northern\_Piper](#): > > The US Trade Representative to Canada told the US Senate that Canada was a security threat: > > Sworn testimony in the US Senate: the US government believes Canada is a security risk to the United States. > > [Lighthizer calls Canada a national security threat in defence of steel tariffs - The Globe and Mail](https://www.theglobeandmail.com/business/article-lighthizer-calls-canada-a-national-security-threat-in-defence-of-steel/) Can we build some sort of barrier to keep Canadian steel out of America? ---
**Author:** ![Crotalus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/crotalus/32/41_2.png) [@Crotalus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Crotalus)\ **Post date:** [January 14, 2019, 3:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-administration-a-clusterfuck-in-the-making/774070/29426 "2019-01-14T15:27:43Z")
> [@Slash1972](#): > > Can we build some sort of barrier to keep Canadian steel out of America? We can make it out of steel slats, and pay Canada for it. Win/Win! ---
**Author:** ![Euphonious\_Polemic](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/euphonious_polemic/32/3002_2.png) [@Euphonious\_Polemic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Euphonious_Polemic)\ **Post date:** [January 14, 2019, 3:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-administration-a-clusterfuck-in-the-making/774070/29427 "2019-01-14T15:40:04Z")
> [@Muffin](#): > > Although it will be tremendously difficult, I thing that it would be in our best interest to economically untangle ourselves from the USA, for it is declining, and with decline comes lashing out by populists. I find myself in complete agreement here. We need to do this slowly and methodically, step by step. We’ve seen who came to Canada’s defense when we were called a security threat to the USA; Very, very few Americans. Time to start broadening our trade and seeking new trading partners (and allies). ---
**Author:** ![Gyrate](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gyrate/32/3588_2.png) [@Gyrate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gyrate)\ **Post date:** [January 14, 2019, 5:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-administration-a-clusterfuck-in-the-making/774070/29428 "2019-01-14T17:24:40Z")
Trump is excited to go to the American Farm Bureau convention! > [@Idiot in Chief](#): > > Getting ready to address the Farm Convention today in Nashville, Tennessee. Love our farmers, love Tennessee - a great combination! See you in a little while One small problem - [the convention is in New Orleans](https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/donald-trump/trump-tweeted-he-s-excited-visit-nashville-he-s-actually-n958306). One hopes the Air Force One pilot at least knows where they’re going. ---
**Author:** ![Folacin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/folacin/32/3195_2.png) [@Folacin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Folacin)\ **Post date:** [January 14, 2019, 5:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-administration-a-clusterfuck-in-the-making/774070/29429 "2019-01-14T17:30:00Z")
I think Schumer and Pelosi should head over to the White House today to offer a deal, since he keeps insisting he is spending all of his time there. ---
**Author:** ![ElvisL1ves](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/5daacb/32.png) [@ElvisL1ves](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ElvisL1ves)\ **Post date:** [January 14, 2019, 5:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-administration-a-clusterfuck-in-the-making/774070/29430 "2019-01-14T17:32:43Z")
> [@Crotalus](#): > > We can make it out of steel slats, and pay Canada for it. Win/Win! Canada may be having similar thoughts about us. ---
**Author:** ![bobot](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bobot/32/21622_2.png) [@bobot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bobot)\ **Post date:** [January 14, 2019, 5:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-administration-a-clusterfuck-in-the-making/774070/29431 "2019-01-14T17:40:09Z")
The man, and I use that term loosely, is having real problems with his campaign promises. And that term 'promises", very very loosely. (Reuters) - More U.S. coal-fired power plants were shut in President Donald Trump’s first two years than were retired in the whole of Barack Obama’s first term, despite the Republican’s efforts to prop up the industry to keep a campaign promise to coal-mining states. > **[President Trump can't stop U.S. coal plants from retiring](https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-trump-coal/president-trump-cant-stop-u-s-coal-plants-from-retiring-idUSKCN1P80BY)** > > More U.S. coal-fired power plants were shut in President Donald Trump's first two years than were retired in the whole of Barack Obama's first term, despite the Republican's efforts to prop up the industry to keep a campaign promise to coal-mining... ---
**Author:** ![Euphonious\_Polemic](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/euphonious_polemic/32/3002_2.png) [@Euphonious\_Polemic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Euphonious_Polemic)\ **Post date:** [January 14, 2019, 5:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-administration-a-clusterfuck-in-the-making/774070/29432 "2019-01-14T17:45:05Z")
> [@ElvisL1ves](#): > > Canada may be having similar thoughts about us. A nice privacy hedge will do. Sorry. [https://me.me/i/the-government-of-canada-announces-the-plan-to-grow-a-9184681](https://me.me/i/the-government-of-canada-announces-the-plan-to-grow-a-9184681) ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_L.A](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_l.a/32/1084_2.png) [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Post date:** [January 14, 2019, 5:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-administration-a-clusterfuck-in-the-making/774070/29433 "2019-01-14T17:46:10Z")
> [@bobot](#): > > (Reuters) - More U.S. coal-fired power plants were shut in President Donald Trump’s first two years than were retired in the whole of Barack Obama’s first term, despite the Republican’s efforts to prop up the industry to keep a campaign promise to coal-mining states. ‘The number of U.S. coal plants has continued to decline… and is expected to keep falling as consumers demand power from cleaner and less expensive sources of energy.’ It’s called the Free Market. The People are voting with their wallets. ---
**Author:** ![bobot](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bobot/32/21622_2.png) [@bobot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bobot)\ **Post date:** [January 14, 2019, 5:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-administration-a-clusterfuck-in-the-making/774070/29434 "2019-01-14T17:50:38Z")
Yeah, as it turns out the things he promised aren’t the things that people want. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Railer13](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/railer13/32/9742_2.png) [@Railer13](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Railer13)\ **Post date:** [January 14, 2019, 5:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-administration-a-clusterfuck-in-the-making/774070/29435 "2019-01-14T17:55:50Z")
> [@Johnny\_L.A](#): > > ‘The number of U.S. coal plants has continued to decline… and is expected to keep falling as consumers demand power from cleaner and less expensive sources of energy.’ > > It’s called the Free Market. The People are voting with their wallets. People might be demanding that the utility companies find cleaner energy sources, but nobody has a choice in deciding which electrical source from which to purchase. I have one provider, and I’m guessing that is the case with virtually everybody else in the country. There is no Free Market regarding providers of electrical power. ---
**Author:** ![ElvisL1ves](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/5daacb/32.png) [@ElvisL1ves](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ElvisL1ves)\ **Post date:** [January 14, 2019, 5:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-administration-a-clusterfuck-in-the-making/774070/29436 "2019-01-14T17:58:27Z")
There \*is \*a free market among utility companies in deciding how they’re going to get their power, and what equipment they will buy and operate to do it. Renewables are simply better for the corporate bottom line, generally, and the utilities are voting with their corporate/stockholder wallets. ---
**Author:** ![Morgyn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/morgyn/32/3041_2.png) [@Morgyn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Morgyn)\ **Post date:** [January 14, 2019, 6:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-administration-a-clusterfuck-in-the-making/774070/29437 "2019-01-14T18:03:50Z")
> [@Euphonious\_Polemic](#): > > I find myself in complete agreement here. We need to do this slowly and methodically, step by step. > > We’ve seen who came to Canada’s defense when we were called a security threat to the USA; Very, very few Americans. > > Time to start broadening our trade and seeking new trading partners (and allies). THIS US citizen thinks the Commonwealth nations have been our best friends and allies, and I’m really unhappy about what’s going on. Personally, if I could kick every single Trump appointee in the perineum with a steel-toed shoe, I would. Repeatedly. ---
**Author:** ![Aspenglow](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aspenglow/32/76_2.png) [@Aspenglow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Aspenglow)\ **Post date:** [January 14, 2019, 6:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-administration-a-clusterfuck-in-the-making/774070/29438 "2019-01-14T18:11:43Z")
> [@Morgyn](#): > > THIS US citizen thinks the Commonwealth nations have been our best friends and allies, and I’m really unhappy about what’s going on. > > Personally, if I could kick every single Trump appointee in the perineum with a steel-toed shoe, I would. Repeatedly. I would like to second this. We never knew until Trump how dependent our institutions and system of government are on electing good, responsible people to hold the highest offices in the land. We’re learning now in a most painful way just how much damage a usurper, installed by an adversarial power, can do. There are enough of us to root out the cancer if we work hard to do it – and I hope we are able to do so. Meantime, deepest and most sincere apologies for the abuse that has been unjustly heaped upon you. ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_L.A](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_l.a/32/1084_2.png) [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Post date:** [January 14, 2019, 6:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-administration-a-clusterfuck-in-the-making/774070/29439 "2019-01-14T18:12:57Z")
> [@Railer13](#): > > People might be demanding that the utility companies find cleaner energy sources, but nobody has a choice in deciding which electrical source from which to purchase. I have one provider, and I’m guessing that is the case with virtually everybody else in the country. [It’s a law in this state](https://www.utc.wa.gov/regulatedIndustries/utilities/energy/Pages/greenPowerProgramsInWA.aspx) that energy providers must offer customers a ‘green energy’ option. ---
**Author:** ![Euphonious\_Polemic](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/euphonious_polemic/32/3002_2.png) [@Euphonious\_Polemic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Euphonious_Polemic)\ **Post date:** [January 14, 2019, 6:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-administration-a-clusterfuck-in-the-making/774070/29440 "2019-01-14T18:17:26Z")
> [@Morgyn](#): > > THIS US citizen thinks the Commonwealth nations have been our best friends and allies, and I’m really unhappy about what’s going on. > > Personally, if I could kick every single Trump appointee in the perineum with a steel-toed shoe, I would. Repeatedly. Thanks for the thoughts (and thanks to \*\*Aspenglow \*\*as well) My feeling (and it’s reflected by most I have spoken with) is that while there are millions of US citizens who we genuinely like, and who are “on our side”, those in power currently do not share your opinion, and sadly, the vast, vast majority either support Trump in this or do not know or care. We’ve had our eyes opened to the danger that lurks below our border. Without being reactionary or doing anything rashly, we do need to pull back a little, particularly with economic trade diversification. New markets need to be developed, new alliances made and new partnerships and trade treaties signed. Things cannot go back to the way they were after trust has been broken. ---
**Author:** ![Morgyn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/morgyn/32/3041_2.png) [@Morgyn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Morgyn)\ **Post date:** [January 14, 2019, 6:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-administration-a-clusterfuck-in-the-making/774070/29441 "2019-01-14T18:36:45Z")
> [@Euphonious\_Polemic](#): > > Thanks for the thoughts (and thanks to \*\*Aspenglow \*\*as well) You’re welcome. > [@Euphonious Polemic](#): > > My feeling (and it’s reflected by most I have spoken with) is that while there are millions of US citizens who we genuinely like, and who are “on our side”, those in power currently do not share your opinion, and sadly, the vast, vast majority either support Trump in this or do not know or care. No, no. Not true. Just not enough of the ones who DON’T support him voted in 2016, or got unicorn disease. They’re due a kicking, too, but I might stop after the third one. \ > [@Euphonious Polemic](#): > > Things cannot go back to the way they were after trust has been broken. True. My only hope is that, for the most part, Germany has regained a position of trust and respect in the world, and it only took them about 60 years to do so. We just gotta get these fucking shitheads out of office and make sure that no one like them ever gets elected again. Although, people being people, that’s probably unattainable. ---
**Author:** ![Aspenglow](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aspenglow/32/76_2.png) [@Aspenglow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Aspenglow)\ **Post date:** [January 14, 2019, 6:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-administration-a-clusterfuck-in-the-making/774070/29442 "2019-01-14T18:38:28Z")
> [@Euphonious\_Polemic](#): > > Thanks for the thoughts (and thanks to \*\*Aspenglow \*\*as well) > > My feeling (and it’s reflected by most I have spoken with) is that while there are millions of US citizens who we genuinely like, and who are “on our side”, those in power currently do not share your opinion, and sadly, the vast, vast majority either support Trump in this or do not know or care. > > We’ve had our eyes opened to the danger that lurks below our border. Without being reactionary or doing anything rashly, we do need to pull back a little, particularly with economic trade diversification. New markets need to be developed, new alliances made and new partnerships and trade treaties signed. > > Things cannot go back to the way they were after trust has been broken. I am glad you have shared your feelings, though simultaneously very sad. It is perfectly understandable that you and your countrymen and women should feel as you do. And it demonstrates in a most graphic way the true damage that Putin’s efforts have wreaked: The very real weakening of importance alliances in the West. This is exactly what he hoped for. I will personally continue to work hard to put good people into our government and hopefully, we can earn the trust of the Canadian people once again. ETA: Understanding it will take a lot of time. Also, I don’t see how Mexico ever trusts us again. ---
**Author:** ![Railer13](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/railer13/32/9742_2.png) [@Railer13](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Railer13)\ **Post date:** [January 14, 2019, 6:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-administration-a-clusterfuck-in-the-making/774070/29443 "2019-01-14T18:43:26Z")
> [@ElvisL1ves](#): > > There \*is \*a free market among utility companies in deciding how they’re going to get their power, and what equipment they will buy and operate to do it. Renewables are simply better for the corporate bottom line, generally, and the utilities are voting with their corporate/stockholder wallets. I certainly don’t disagree with this statement. I’m saying that I don’t have a choice as to which provider I can choose for my electricity. > [@Johnny\_L.A](#): > > [It’s a law in this state](https://www.utc.wa.gov/regulatedIndustries/utilities/energy/Pages/greenPowerProgramsInWA.aspx) that energy providers must offer customers a ‘green energy’ option. I admit I wasn’t aware of this option, and this [site](https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/buying-and-making-electricity/buying-clean-electricity) states that > [@](#): > > At least 50% of customers have the option to purchase renewable electricity directly from their power supplier, and everyone has the option of purchasing renewable energy certificates. This is not an option where I live, so I will retract my earlier statement that consumers cannot vote with their wallets. I have learned something today, and thank you for that. Does anybody know how many consumers use the ‘green’ option, even though it costs more? ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_L.A](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_l.a/32/1084_2.png) [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Post date:** [January 14, 2019, 7:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-administration-a-clusterfuck-in-the-making/774070/29444 "2019-01-14T19:05:31Z")
> [@Railer13](#): > > This is not an option where I live, so I will retract my earlier statement that consumers cannot vote with their wallets. I have learned something today, and thank you for that. You’re welcome. I’m working, so I don’t have time to research; but I did find [this](https://www.eia.gov/state/?sid=KS): > [@](#): > > During 2017, Kansas was the 4th largest wind power producer, and 36% of the state’s electricity was generated by wind energy. If you’re interested in clean energy options, your power company may have more information; or search your state’s websites. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-administration-a-clusterfuck-in-the-making/774070.md?page=1471) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-administration-a-clusterfuck-in-the-making/774070.md?page=1473)