# 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:** 196
**Author:** ![jsc1953](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/5daacb/32.png) [@jsc1953](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jsc1953)\ **Post date:** [May 3, 2017, 1:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-administration-a-clusterfuck-in-the-making/774070/3901 "2017-05-03T13:58:18Z")
> [@Rick\_Kitchen](#): > > The Trump for President campaign created an ad talking about all of the wonderful things that Trump has done in his first 100 days, and CNN refused to air it. The Trump people called it censorship. CNN replied that the ad refers to the media as “fake news”, and since the media is not fake news, the ad violates CNN’s policy against running false advertising. > [x.com](https://twitter.com/CNNPR/status/859425426556542976) In a normal universe, the media accuses the government of censorship, not the other way around. ---
**Author:** ![Crybaby\_Boobie](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/crybaby_boobie/32/545_2.png) [@Crybaby\_Boobie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Crybaby_Boobie)\ **Post date:** [May 3, 2017, 2:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-administration-a-clusterfuck-in-the-making/774070/3902 "2017-05-03T14:03:27Z")
Carl Banks is a national treasure, don’t you touch him! ---
**Author:** ![BigAppleBucky](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bigapplebucky/32/178_2.png) [@BigAppleBucky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BigAppleBucky)\ **Post date:** [May 3, 2017, 3:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-administration-a-clusterfuck-in-the-making/774070/3903 "2017-05-03T15:41:46Z")
The [Mick Mulvaney conference call](http://www.salon.com/2017/05/03/watch-mick-mulvaneys-phone-call-with-the-media-descends-into-conference-call-hell/) to counter-spin the view on the spending bill went wrong. Very hilariously wrong. ---
**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:** [May 3, 2017, 6:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-administration-a-clusterfuck-in-the-making/774070/3904 "2017-05-03T18:58:09Z")
Perhaps when he said he was going to do a number on big banks, he meant that all those damn gorges, canyons and defiles should be properly graded, so that we have more beaches. ---
**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:** [May 3, 2017, 7:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-administration-a-clusterfuck-in-the-making/774070/3905 "2017-05-03T19:13:12Z")
Trump thinks it’s wonderful how well the Palestinians and Israelis get along together. [http://www.rawstory.com/2017/05/they-get-along-unbelievably-well-trump-abruptly-claims-israel-and-palestinians-work-together-beautifully/](http://www.rawstory.com/2017/05/they-get-along-unbelievably-well-trump-abruptly-claims-israel-and-palestinians-work-together-beautifully/) ---
**Author:** ![Biffster](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/biffster/32/339_2.png) [@Biffster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Biffster)\ **Post date:** [May 3, 2017, 7:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-administration-a-clusterfuck-in-the-making/774070/3906 "2017-05-03T19:16:04Z")
> [@JKellyMap](#): > > It’s the 7-11 in Bowling Green. You, sir, win the Internet! ---
**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:** [May 3, 2017, 7:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-administration-a-clusterfuck-in-the-making/774070/3907 "2017-05-03T19:34:41Z")
Trump’s golf course in Virginia has a plaque memorializing a Civil War battle that never happened. > **[In Renovation of Golf Club, Donald Trump Also Dressed Up History (Published...](https://www.nytimes.com/2015/11/25/us/politics/in-renovation-of-golf-club-donald-trump-also-dressed-up-history.html)** > > Historians say a plaque installed by Mr. Trump at a golf course on the Potomac River commemorates a Civil War event that never happened. ---
**Author:** ![running\_coach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/running_coach/32/15836_2.png) [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)\ **Post date:** [May 3, 2017, 8:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-administration-a-clusterfuck-in-the-making/774070/3908 "2017-05-03T20:04:01Z")
> [@Rick\_Kitchen](#): > > Trump’s golf course in Virginia has a plaque memorializing a Civil War battle that never happened. > [https://www.nytimes.com/2015/11/25/us/politics/in-renovation-of-golf-club-donald-trump-also-dressed-up-history.html](https://www.nytimes.com/2015/11/25/us/politics/in-renovation-of-golf-club-donald-trump-also-dressed-up-history.html) > [@](#): > > “That was a prime site for river crossings,” Mr. Trump said. “So, if people are crossing the river, and you happen to be in a civil war, I would say that people were shot — a lot of them.” > > The club does indeed lie a stone’s throw from Rowser’s Ford, where, as an official historical marker notes, Gen. J. E. B. Stuart led 5,000 Confederate troops including cavalry across the Potomac en route to the Battle of Gettysburg. > But no one died in that crossing, historians said, or in any other notable Civil War engagement on the spot. > > \*\*“How would they know that?” Mr. Trump asked when told that local historians had called his plaque a fiction. “Were they there?” > \*\* > Mr. Trump repeatedly said that “numerous historians” had told him that the golf club site was known as the River of Blood. **But he said he did not remember their names.** Does the Combover Cheeto not understand how historians work? (Stupid question. Don’t bother answering) I’ll bet some were named “Miller” and “Barron”. ---
**Author:** ![Jack\_Batty](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jack_batty/32/3201_2.png) [@Jack\_Batty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jack_Batty)\ **Post date:** [May 3, 2017, 8:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-administration-a-clusterfuck-in-the-making/774070/3909 "2017-05-03T20:32:40Z")
> [@](#): > > “How would they know that?” Mr. Trump asked when told that local historians had called his plaque a fiction. “Were they there?” > [@running\_coach](#): > > Does the Combover Cheeto not understand how historians work? (Stupid question. Don’t bother answering) > > I’ll bet some were named “Miller” and “Barron”. It was at that very point in the article that I realized it was all just satire. Only now have I realized that it isn’t satire at all and this idiot actually said that. Jesus Murphy, what the fuck have we done, America? Who the fuck can look at this guy with pride? He’s a goddamned buffoon. I think I’ve got to give up on the whole giving a shit about politics for a while; this is too depressing. ---
**Author:** ![Snarky\_Kong](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a183cd/32.png) [@Snarky\_Kong](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Snarky_Kong)\ **Post date:** [May 3, 2017, 8:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-administration-a-clusterfuck-in-the-making/774070/3910 "2017-05-03T20:34:02Z")
The defenses of it in that article miss the point completely, which is probably deliberate. No, making up some shit to put on a plaque isn’t a tragedy. However, it does show how little Trump values truth, which has horrible implications for policy. Ugh. ---
**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:** [May 3, 2017, 8:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-administration-a-clusterfuck-in-the-making/774070/3911 "2017-05-03T20:35:18Z")
“Were they there?” is the standard “argument” used by Bible defenders when challenged on their beliefs. ---
**Author:** ![Defensive\_Indifference](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/defensive_indifference/32/6502_2.png) [@Defensive\_Indifference](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Defensive_Indifference)\ **Post date:** [May 3, 2017, 8:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-administration-a-clusterfuck-in-the-making/774070/3912 "2017-05-03T20:36:26Z")
> [@Rick\_Kitchen](#): > > Trump thinks it’s wonderful how well the Palestinians and Israelis get along together. > [http://www.rawstory.com/2017/05/they-get-along-unbelievably-well-trump-abruptly-claims-israel-and-palestinians-work-together-beautifully/](http://www.rawstory.com/2017/05/they-get-along-unbelievably-well-trump-abruptly-claims-israel-and-palestinians-work-together-beautifully/) From the linked article: > [@](#): > > The U.S. president noted that there could be “no lasting peace” unless all Palestinian leaders spoke out against hate > > “There’s such hatred,” he added. “But hopefully there won’t be such hatred for very long.” That’s the kind of leadership we need! Let us join our President in hoping that the hate goes away! > [@Rick\_Kitchen](#): > > Trump’s golf course in Virginia has a plaque memorializing a Civil War battle that never happened. > [https://www.nytimes.com/2015/11/25/us/politics/in-renovation-of-golf-club-donald-trump-also-dressed-up-history.html](https://www.nytimes.com/2015/11/25/us/politics/in-renovation-of-golf-club-donald-trump-also-dressed-up-history.html) Minor point: that article was from November 2015. I’m glad to see Trump has learned from the ridicule he received and has been more truthful since then. ---
**Author:** ![k9bfriender](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/k9bfriender/32/3283_2.png) [@k9bfriender](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/k9bfriender)\ **Post date:** [May 3, 2017, 8:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-administration-a-clusterfuck-in-the-making/774070/3913 "2017-05-03T20:38:26Z")
> [@Jack\_Batty](#): > > It was at that very point in the article that I realized it was all just satire. > > Only now have I realized that it isn’t satire at all and this idiot actually said that. Jesus Murphy, what the fuck have we done, America? Who the fuck can look at this guy with pride? He’s a goddamned buffoon. I think I’ve got to give up on the whole giving a shit about politics for a while; this is too depressing. So, I read your first line, and had a mixture of both disappointment and relief. I hadn’t realized it was satire. I was disappointed a bit, in that I never put it past trump to be or say stupid things, but I was relived, because he is still the president, and I’d rather not have the president say or do stupid things. When I read the rest of your post, the relief went away, but the disapointment didn’t. ---
**Author:** ![Jack\_Batty](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jack_batty/32/3201_2.png) [@Jack\_Batty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jack_Batty)\ **Post date:** [May 3, 2017, 8:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-administration-a-clusterfuck-in-the-making/774070/3914 "2017-05-03T20:42:22Z")
Well. You’re welcome. Or, I’m sorry. Whichever applies. ---
**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:** [May 3, 2017, 8:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-administration-a-clusterfuck-in-the-making/774070/3915 "2017-05-03T20:44:18Z")
I have it on good authority that Andrew Jackson _was_ there and witnessed the whole thing. That must be where presidunce got his info. ---
**Author:** ![Skywatcher](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/skywatcher/32/254_2.png) [@Skywatcher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skywatcher)\ **Post date:** [May 3, 2017, 9:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-administration-a-clusterfuck-in-the-making/774070/3916 "2017-05-03T21:06:09Z")
> [@Jack\_Batty](#): > > Jesus Murphy, what the fuck have we done, America? Who the fuck can look at this guy with pride? [Buffoons.](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showpost.php?p=20153900&postcount=56) ---
**Author:** ![Sherrerd](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sherrerd/32/8_2.png) [@Sherrerd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sherrerd)\ **Post date:** [May 3, 2017, 9:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-administration-a-clusterfuck-in-the-making/774070/3917 "2017-05-03T21:46:35Z")
> [@Stranger\_On\_A\_Train](#): > > [CNN.com: “Spicer ignores room full of reporters in WH”](http://www.cnn.com/videos/politics/2017/05/02/white-house-press-briefing-reporters-yell-sean-sot.cnn) > > …Look, I know you guys like to beat up on poor Spicy, but if he leaves for the private sector with his public speaking ability he’s going to end up living in a refrigerator box under an overpass, … Nah. He’ll get regular work as Melissa McCarthy’s movie stand-in. ---
**Author:** ![Sherrerd](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sherrerd/32/8_2.png) [@Sherrerd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sherrerd)\ **Post date:** [May 3, 2017, 9:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-administration-a-clusterfuck-in-the-making/774070/3918 "2017-05-03T21:55:08Z")
> [@Sherrerd](#): > > What’s next? —_anything_ that distracts from questions about the Russian connections of the Trump Administration. > > Notice that Trump debuted TWO major distractors the day before his planned telephone conversation with Putin: the Civil War/Andrew Jackson inanity, and the “I would be honored” to meet with the North Korean dictator comment. > > He really, really, _really_ doesn’t want anyone thinking about Russia. > [@dasmoocher](#): > > See, we’re not fully appreciating the political masterfulness of Trump. The US wants Kim out of power. Trump called Kim a “smart cookie”. > > Now, Kim’s starving populace will be trying to eat him. If only Trump were capable of such creative planning; sure would solve the NK problem! > [@Sherrerd](#): > > …I agree about Pence’s proclivities. One major–and important–difference between Trump and Pence, though, is that Pence has no fanatical fan base. … > [@Ann\_Hedonia](#): > > I think Pence’s primary qualification was that he was the only guy left after you eliminated everyone than ran against Trump in the primaries. Good point. Also, his one skill is Being Non-Threatening to Trump–seriously, I don’t think Pence EVER fails to gaze at Trump admiringly, in their many photo-ops together. (Pence _knows_ Trump will be examining the footage or photos carefully for signs of disgust or contempt.) ---
**Author:** ![k9bfriender](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/k9bfriender/32/3283_2.png) [@k9bfriender](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/k9bfriender)\ **Post date:** [May 3, 2017, 9:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-administration-a-clusterfuck-in-the-making/774070/3919 "2017-05-03T21:58:42Z")
> [@Sherrerd](#): > > Trump will be examining the footage or photos carefully for signs of disgust or contempt.) He doesn’t have to. Just like when Melania’s sneering at his back at the inauguration was pointed out repeatedly, the moment that Pence’s wax mask breaks and he shows any hint of disapproval towards trump, the media will be all over it. ---
**Author:** ![Sherrerd](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sherrerd/32/8_2.png) [@Sherrerd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sherrerd)\ **Post date:** [May 3, 2017, 10:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-administration-a-clusterfuck-in-the-making/774070/3920 "2017-05-03T22:02:41Z")
> [@k9bfriender](#): > > He doesn’t have to. > > Just like when Melania’s sneering at his back at the inauguration was pointed out repeatedly, the moment that Pence’s wax mask breaks and he shows any hint of disapproval towards trump, the media will be all over it. Probably; certainly that look of reverence is bizarre enough to have caught many people’s continuing attention. I mean, not even Lindsey Graham looks at his soul-mate John McCain that way. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-administration-a-clusterfuck-in-the-making/774070.md?page=195) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-administration-a-clusterfuck-in-the-making/774070.md?page=197)