# 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:** 1501
**Author:** ![begbert2](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/begbert2/32/3357_2.png) [@begbert2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/begbert2)\ **Post date:** [January 26, 2019, 12:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-administration-a-clusterfuck-in-the-making/774070/30005 "2019-01-26T00:07:24Z")
> [@Defensive\_Indifference](#): > > I kinda think Pelosi should still refuse to invite him to the SOTU until she can wring a few more cries of “uncle” out of him. > > Also, AIUI, the majority party in the House has control of the AV system used in the chamber, so if Trump starts to lie or spew racist rhetoric during the SOTU, Pelosi should look to the control booth and make a slashing motion across her throat, and the techs should cut the feed. Nah, that would make her look petty. Just refuse to televise or broadcast it at all. Don’t even record it - have a stenographer or two transcribe it, and make an official release of that transcription later. With extensive cited annotations. ---
**Author:** ![eschereal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/eschereal/32/18939_2.png) [@eschereal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/eschereal)\ **Post date:** [January 26, 2019, 12:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-administration-a-clusterfuck-in-the-making/774070/30006 "2019-01-26T00:36:37Z")
That would be funny if the only video available was from Raphael’s LG g7. ---
**Author:** ![romansperson](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/romansperson/32/17100_2.png) [@romansperson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/romansperson)\ **Post date:** [January 26, 2019, 1:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-administration-a-clusterfuck-in-the-making/774070/30007 "2019-01-26T01:31:08Z")
> [@ThelmaLou](#): > > So are all the furloughed people going to get two paychecks in the space of three weeks? And what happens after that? When I got furloughed back in 1995, I got my back pay as part of my next check, but that furlough was only for a week. Civilians in my agency (DoD) were paid every two weeks on Fridays. [According to this article](https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/politics-news/government-employees-expected-receive-back-pay-within-days-n963046), back pay will happen ASAP, but that will depend on the agency and when they are normally paid, so I guess the answer is ‘it depends.’ They’ll get their back pay before the CR ends, almost certainly. ---
**Author:** ![Ca3799](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/9f8e36/32.png) [@Ca3799](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ca3799)\ **Post date:** [January 26, 2019, 2:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-administration-a-clusterfuck-in-the-making/774070/30008 "2019-01-26T02:30:46Z")
Headline of the day: “TRUMP CAN’T FIND WALL DOUGH”! LOL! ---
**Author:** ![boytyperanma](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/4491bb/32.png) [@boytyperanma](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/boytyperanma)\ **Post date:** [January 26, 2019, 2:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-administration-a-clusterfuck-in-the-making/774070/30009 "2019-01-26T02:36:19Z")
> [@](#): > > They save good people from attempting a very dangerous journey from other countries - thousands of miles - because they have a glimmer of hope of coming through. Never in my life would I have thought a US president would demand we take measures to stop the US from being a beacon of hope. Make America great again, I think he’s doing it wrong. ---
**Author:** ![romansperson](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/romansperson/32/17100_2.png) [@romansperson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/romansperson)\ **Post date:** [January 26, 2019, 3:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-administration-a-clusterfuck-in-the-making/774070/30010 "2019-01-26T03:15:23Z")
> [@boytyperanma](#): > > Never in my life would I have thought a US president would demand we take measures to stop the US from being a beacon of hope. Make America great again, I think he’s doing it wrong. Yes. This. ☹ ---
**Author:** ![Try2B\_Comprehensive](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/try2b_comprehensive/32/65_2.png) [@Try2B\_Comprehensive](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Try2B_Comprehensive)\ **Post date:** [January 26, 2019, 3:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-administration-a-clusterfuck-in-the-making/774070/30011 "2019-01-26T03:33:05Z")
> [@JKellyMap](#): > > I’d say not really. Much as I’d like to give Democrats credit, this was 100% a self-inflicted slaughter by Trump, McConnell, and other Republicans. A completely unnecessary political (and, increasingly, economic) crisis in “response” to a non-existent border crisis. Yes and no. The pubs didn’t force this issue in this way for the 2 years they controlled Congress- dems just inhabiting the House spurred them into action. And I’d have to go back and look, but did Chuck and Nancy deftly maneuver Trump into going over the top in that December meeting? I don’t think they wanted a shutdown, but maybe Trump thought he could trigger the libs and it backfired epically. I can live with calling all of this a massive own goal. What’s interesting now is whether this is the tipping point at which the GOP begins to tear itself apart. They are an awfully propaganda-driven party, and [the propagandists are getting restless](https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/conservatives-to-trump-you-caved/ar-BBSJYC6) > [@](#): > > Conservatives had a quick message for President Donald Trump after he announced a deal to end the government shutdown without funds for his border wall: You caved! > > “Good news for George Herbert Walker Bush: As of today, he is no longer the biggest wimp ever to serve as President of the United States,” tweeted conservative commentator Ann Coulter. > > “Nancy Pelosi is alpha,” tweeted conservative film maker Mike Cernovich. > > And right wing commentator Michael Malice opined: “Apparently a wall isn’t as good as a cave.” > > Conservative outlets, from the Drudge Report to Breitbart News, also blasted headlines in dramatic font declaring Trump caved with “NO WALL.” Bwa ha ha! ---
**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 26, 2019, 4:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-administration-a-clusterfuck-in-the-making/774070/30012 "2019-01-26T04:07:40Z")
> [@Try2B\_Comprehensive](#): > > Yes and no. The pubs didn’t force this issue in this way for the 2 years they controlled Congress- dems just inhabiting the House spurred them into action. And I’d have to go back and look, but did Chuck and Nancy deftly maneuver Trump into going over the top in that December meeting? I don’t think they wanted a shutdown, but maybe Trump thought he could trigger the libs and it backfired epically. Point of order - the Republican’s still controlled the House when the CR failed there (meaning amended such that the Senate wouldn’t pass it again) after Ann’s mean tweet. ---
**Author:** ![Try2B\_Comprehensive](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/try2b_comprehensive/32/65_2.png) [@Try2B\_Comprehensive](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Try2B_Comprehensive)\ **Post date:** [January 26, 2019, 4:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-administration-a-clusterfuck-in-the-making/774070/30013 "2019-01-26T04:49:55Z")
> [@Folacin](#): > > Point of order - the Republican’s still controlled the House when the CR failed there (meaning amended such that the Senate wouldn’t pass it again) after Ann’s mean tweet. You’re right- 35 days ago, the pubbies still had control of both chambers. They shut down the government during a period of dominance. Then again, the election results were in, and, so, um, … \_\_\_\_, and therefore shutdown was the way to go. Total own goal? Or because, yanno, Nancy was coming :eek: ---
**Author:** ![Dag\_Otto](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/439d5e/32.png) [@Dag\_Otto](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dag_Otto)\ **Post date:** [January 26, 2019, 4:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-administration-a-clusterfuck-in-the-making/774070/30014 "2019-01-26T04:50:41Z")
> [@romansperson](#): > > When I got furloughed back in 1995, I got my back pay as part of my next check, but that furlough was only for a week. Civilians in my agency (DoD) were paid every two weeks on Fridays. > > [According to this article](https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/politics-news/government-employees-expected-receive-back-pay-within-days-n963046), back pay will happen ASAP, but that will depend on the agency and when they are normally paid, so I guess the answer is ‘it depends.’ They’ll get their back pay before the CR ends, almost certainly. Here’s the rub: Payroll software will determine that the pay is at twice the normal pay rate, and will withhold taxes at a higher rate, meaning that employee net paychecks will be less than if they received two normal paychecks. Sure, it will all wash out on 15 April 2020 but until then, sorry suckers! ---
**Author:** ![simster](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/simster/32/1047_2.png) [@simster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/simster)\ **Post date:** [January 26, 2019, 4:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-administration-a-clusterfuck-in-the-making/774070/30015 "2019-01-26T04:52:03Z")
> [@Try2B\_Comprehensive](#): > > Yes and no. The pubs didn’t force this issue in this way for the 2 years they controlled Congress- dems just inhabiting the House spurred them into action. And I’d have to go back and look, but did Chuck and Nancy deftly maneuver Trump into going over the top in that December meeting? I don’t think they wanted a shutdown, but maybe Trump thought he could trigger the libs and it backfired epically. > > I can live with calling all of this a massive own goal. What’s interesting now is whether this is the tipping point at which the GOP begins to tear itself apart. They are an awfully propaganda-driven party, and [the propagandists are getting restless](https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/conservatives-to-trump-you-caved/ar-BBSJYC6) > > Bwa ha ha! That really explains this tweet - > > [@IIC](#): > > I wish people would read or listen to my words on the Border Wall. This was in no way a concession. It was taking care of millions of people who were getting badly hurt by the Shutdown with the understanding that in 21 days, if no deal is done, it’s off to the races! ---
**Author:** ![Rick\_Kitchen](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rick_kitchen/32/522_2.png) [@Rick\_Kitchen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rick_Kitchen)\ **Post date:** [January 26, 2019, 6:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-administration-a-clusterfuck-in-the-making/774070/30016 "2019-01-26T06:01:16Z")
Why does he keep calling it a wall if Kellyanne keeps telling people to stop calling it a wall? ---
**Author:** ![Rick\_Kitchen](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rick_kitchen/32/522_2.png) [@Rick\_Kitchen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rick_Kitchen)\ **Post date:** [January 26, 2019, 6:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-administration-a-clusterfuck-in-the-making/774070/30017 "2019-01-26T06:08:10Z")
> [@Rick\_Kitchen](#): > > Why does he keep calling it a wall if Kellyanne keeps telling people to stop calling it a wall? [https://www.cnn.com/videos/politics/2019/01/23/kellyanne-conway-wall-name-ridiculist-ac360-vpx.cnn](https://www.cnn.com/videos/politics/2019/01/23/kellyanne-conway-wall-name-ridiculist-ac360-vpx.cnn) ---
**Author:** ![Smapti](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/smapti/32/17938_2.png) [@Smapti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Smapti)\ **Post date:** [January 26, 2019, 7:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-administration-a-clusterfuck-in-the-making/774070/30018 "2019-01-26T07:27:20Z")
> [@Rick\_Kitchen](#): > > Why does he keep calling it a wall if Kellyanne keeps telling people to stop calling it a wall? Like I’ve said before, it’s Schrodinger’s Wall, where observing it causes its nature to change. It’s Wall except for when it’s a Steel Slat Barrier, and it needs to be built, but it’s also already mostly built, and we need it because there are Caravans coming except for when they aren’t because Wall is already there. Wall is whatever Wall needs to be at the given moment. Do not question Wall. ---
**Author:** ![tripthicket](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tripthicket/32/297_2.png) [@tripthicket](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tripthicket)\ **Post date:** [January 26, 2019, 7:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-administration-a-clusterfuck-in-the-making/774070/30019 "2019-01-26T07:59:59Z")
Do not question Happy Fun Wall. Sorry, reflex trivia derp. ---
**Author:** ![MN\_Maenad](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/e95f7d/32.png) [@MN\_Maenad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MN_Maenad)\ **Post date:** [January 26, 2019, 12:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-administration-a-clusterfuck-in-the-making/774070/30020 "2019-01-26T12:11:11Z")
I’m amused at those who still have their heads in the sand. Quoted from the Washington Post article on how this is [splitting the right](https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2019/01/25/trump-caves-or-genius-right-wing-splits-after-trump-ends-shutdown-with-no-wall-funding/?utm_term=.eb6751d021cd): > [@](#): > > Bill Mitchell, another personality with a large following among Trump supporters, argued that the deal was actually brilliant. > > “IMAGINE THIS SCENARIO: Trump agrees to reopen government for 3 weeks, then, during the SOTU after laying out his case in detail, with @SpeakerPelosi sitting behind him, declares a #NationalEmergency to fund the wall and explains exactly where the funds come from. Glorious,” he tweeted. > > “The Democrats have 3 weeks to prove if they will keep their word on border security,” former White House aide Sebastian Gorka wrote on Twitter. “And @realDonaldTrump gets to hold a State of the Union on The Wall. GENIUS.” They really want to believe the emperor has clothes, don’t they? ---
**Author:** ![DesertDog](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/desertdog/32/11503_2.png) [@DesertDog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DesertDog)\ **Post date:** [January 26, 2019, 12:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-administration-a-clusterfuck-in-the-making/774070/30021 "2019-01-26T12:13:27Z")
Trust the Wall; the Wall is your friend. ---
**Author:** ![slumtrimpet](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/b5e925/32.png) [@slumtrimpet](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/slumtrimpet)\ **Post date:** [January 26, 2019, 12:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-administration-a-clusterfuck-in-the-making/774070/30022 "2019-01-26T12:29:27Z")
> [@MN\_Maenad](#): > > I’m amused at those who still have their heads in the sand. Quoted from the Washington Post article on how this is [splitting the right](https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2019/01/25/trump-caves-or-genius-right-wing-splits-after-trump-ends-shutdown-with-no-wall-funding/?utm_term=.eb6751d021cd): > > > [@](#): > > > > Mitchell, another personality with a large following among Trump supporters, argued that the deal was actually brilliant. > > > > “IMAGINE THIS SCENARIO: Trump agrees to reopen government for 3 weeks, then, during the SOTU after laying out his case in detail, with @SpeakerPelosi sitting behind him, declares a #NationalEmergency to fund the wall and explains exactly where the funds come from. Glorious,” he tweeted. > > > > “The Democrats have 3 weeks to prove if they will keep their word on border security,” former White House aide Sebastian Gorka wrote on Twitter. “And @realDonaldTrump gets to hold a State of the Union on The Wall. GENIUS.” > > They really want to believe the emperor has clothes, don’t they? Or maybe not:[https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2019-01-26/trump-signs-stopgap-to-reopen-federal-government-through-feb-15](https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2019-01-26/trump-signs-stopgap-to-reopen-federal-government-through-feb-15) > [@](#): > > “The State of the Union is not planned now,” said Pelosi of California. “When government is open we will discuss a mutually agreeable date.” Bwahaha ---
**Author:** ![carnivorousplant](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/carnivorousplant/32/3563_2.png) [@carnivorousplant](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carnivorousplant)\ **Post date:** [January 26, 2019, 1:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-administration-a-clusterfuck-in-the-making/774070/30023 "2019-01-26T13:21:07Z")
> [@Dag\_Otto](#): > > Here’s the rub: Payroll software will determine that the pay is at twice the normal pay rate, and will withhold taxes at a higher rate, meaning that employee net paychecks will be less than if they received two normal paychecks. Sure, it will all wash out on 15 April 2020 but until then, sorry suckers! Cut two checks. ---
**Author:** ![ThelmaLou](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thelmalou/32/390_2.png) [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Post date:** [January 26, 2019, 3:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-administration-a-clusterfuck-in-the-making/774070/30024 "2019-01-26T15:14:18Z")
> [@Smapti](#): > > Like I’ve said before, it’s Schrodinger’s Wall, where observing it causes its nature to change. It’s Wall except for when it’s a Steel Slat Barrier, and it needs to be built, but it’s also already mostly built, and we need it because there are Caravans coming except for when they aren’t because Wall is already there. > > Wall is whatever Wall needs to be at the given moment. Do not question Wall. Obi-Wan, you have fully grasped the situation and its metaphysical (not to mention physical) complexity. _\_ [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-administration-a-clusterfuck-in-the-making/774070.md?page=1500) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-administration-a-clusterfuck-in-the-making/774070.md?page=1502)