# 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:** 534
**Author:** ![Siam\_Sam](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/d78d45/32.png) [@Siam\_Sam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Siam_Sam)\ **Post date:** [August 26, 2017, 5:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-administration-a-clusterfuck-in-the-making/774070/10664 "2017-08-26T17:42:48Z")
I’m hearing speculation that the shameful Arpaio pardon is a signal to his cohorts that they should not worry about being pressured by the FBI in the Russian probe and cut some sort of deal that would rat him out, that if they’ll stay loyal, he’ll simply pardon them. ---
**Author:** ![SaneBill](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/e68b1a/32.png) [@SaneBill](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SaneBill)\ **Post date:** [August 26, 2017, 5:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-administration-a-clusterfuck-in-the-making/774070/10665 "2017-08-26T17:53:14Z")
> [@Siam\_Sam](#): > > I’m hearing speculation that the shameful Arpaio pardon is a signal to his cohorts that they should not worry about being pressured by the FBI in the Russian probe and cut some sort of deal that would rat him out, that if they’ll stay loyal, he’ll simply pardon them. As many have pointed out here, a pardon would mean they couldn’t anymore use the fifth amendment. Could that just mean that there might become an ever-escalating domino effect of pardons and ‘ratting’ ? ---
**Author:** ![davidm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/davidm/32/225_2.png) [@davidm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davidm)\ **Post date:** [August 26, 2017, 6:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-administration-a-clusterfuck-in-the-making/774070/10666 "2017-08-26T18:06:06Z")
They may get them all on state level money laundering charges. Trump can’t pardon that. Regarding Arpaio: can a federal contempt charge be somehow enforced by a state court, or are there charges the state could bring against him? ---
**Author:** ![BeepKillBeep](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/9e8a1a/32.png) [@BeepKillBeep](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BeepKillBeep)\ **Post date:** [August 26, 2017, 6:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-administration-a-clusterfuck-in-the-making/774070/10667 "2017-08-26T18:31:58Z")
Once again it amazes me that a comedy site (Cracked) manages to capture the news about Trump so clearly. It really makes you wonder about anybody who can’t see the obviousness of Trump at this point. [![](https://img.youtube.com/vi/z_yrS2jGSew/maxresdefault.jpg "Donald Trump, The American President Is Literally A Fascist & More - SOME NEWS") ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z_yrS2jGSew) ---
**Author:** ![Chimera](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/8e8cbc/32.png) [@Chimera](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chimera)\ **Post date:** [August 26, 2017, 6:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-administration-a-clusterfuck-in-the-making/774070/10668 "2017-08-26T18:34:59Z")
> [@Siam\_Sam](#): > > I’m hearing speculation that the shameful Arpaio pardon is a signal to his cohorts that they should not worry about being pressured by the FBI in the Russian probe and cut some sort of deal that would rat him out, that if they’ll stay loyal, he’ll simply pardon them. Which is why Mueller needs to be very thorough and hit Trump with charges first. Cut off the head of the snake. ---
**Author:** ![davidm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/davidm/32/225_2.png) [@davidm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davidm)\ **Post date:** [August 26, 2017, 7:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-administration-a-clusterfuck-in-the-making/774070/10669 "2017-08-26T19:20:08Z")
> [@Chimera](#): > > Which is why Mueller needs to be very thorough and hit Trump with charges first. > > Cut off the head of the snake. He’ll need to convince the GOP to impeach at that point. ---
**Author:** ![Catamount](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/catamount/32/2840_2.png) [@Catamount](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Catamount)\ **Post date:** [August 26, 2017, 7:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-administration-a-clusterfuck-in-the-making/774070/10670 "2017-08-26T19:44:53Z")
> [@SaneBill](#): > > As many have pointed out here, a pardon would mean they couldn’t anymore use the fifth amendment. > Could that just mean that there might become an ever-escalating domino effect of pardons and ‘ratting’ ? Accepting the pardon would also imply that they were guilty of whatever they were pardoned for. _insert evil grin smiley_ ---
**Author:** ![Siam\_Sam](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/d78d45/32.png) [@Siam\_Sam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Siam_Sam)\ **Post date:** [August 26, 2017, 7:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-administration-a-clusterfuck-in-the-making/774070/10671 "2017-08-26T19:52:04Z")
> [@Catamount](#): > > Accepting the pardon would also imply that they were guilty of whatever they were pardoned for. _insert evil grin smiley_ Which would possibly still be better than sitting in prison once faced with that. ---
**Author:** ![jayjay](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jayjay/32/6765_2.png) [@jayjay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jayjay)\ **Post date:** [August 26, 2017, 8:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-administration-a-clusterfuck-in-the-making/774070/10672 "2017-08-26T20:41:15Z")
A pardon would also obviate their ability to claim their 5th Amendment rights, since they can’t incriminate themselves at that point. ---
**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:** [August 26, 2017, 8:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-administration-a-clusterfuck-in-the-making/774070/10673 "2017-08-26T20:48:48Z")
> [@El\_Kabong](#): > > …Also, clearly timed to hit just after the close of the weekday news cycle (and to get buried in the hurricane news)… To absolutely no one’s surprise, Donald looked at the news about the massively catastrophic hurricane and saw _not_ the millions of American citizens who’d be facing potential disaster—but, instead, an _opportunity_ to be turned to his own personal advantage. The Arpaio news, as well as the follow-through on sticking it to the transgendered, are both devastating to American values. We’ve moved further into fascism. But I confess that what I was _expecting_ him to do, was to try to fire Mueller. (Maybe Kelly stopped him.) ---
**Author:** ![The\_Other\_Waldo\_Pepper](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/the_other_waldo_pepper/32/12370_2.png) [@The\_Other\_Waldo\_Pepper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Other_Waldo_Pepper)\ **Post date:** [August 26, 2017, 8:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-administration-a-clusterfuck-in-the-making/774070/10674 "2017-08-26T20:52:34Z")
> [@Chimera](#): > > Which is why Mueller needs to be very thorough and hit Trump with charges first. > > Cut off the head of the snake. Is there a reason why Trump wouldn’t simply pardon himself? ---
**Author:** ![jayjay](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jayjay/32/6765_2.png) [@jayjay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jayjay)\ **Post date:** [August 26, 2017, 9:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-administration-a-clusterfuck-in-the-making/774070/10675 "2017-08-26T21:01:01Z")
> [@Sherrerd](#): > > But I confess that what I was _expecting_ him to do, was to try to fire Mueller. (Maybe Kelly stopped him.) The tug-of-war is still ongoing. Kelly got a win with Gorka’s firing, but Trump’s a stubborn son of a bitch. Li’l Deadeyes (Steven Miller) has to be next in the general’s sights, but I’ll bet it won’t happen quickly. ---
**Author:** ![Siam\_Sam](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/d78d45/32.png) [@Siam\_Sam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Siam_Sam)\ **Post date:** [August 26, 2017, 9:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-administration-a-clusterfuck-in-the-making/774070/10676 "2017-08-26T21:05:38Z")
> [@Sherrerd](#): > > To absolutely no one’s surprise, Donald looked at the news about the massively catastrophic hurricane and saw _not_ the millions of American citizens who’d be facing potential disaster—but, instead, an _opportunity_ to be turned to his own personal advantage. Indeed, there is no doubt the bastard is profusely thanking whatever dark god he worships for that hurricane. Won’t work though. ---
**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:** [August 26, 2017, 9:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-administration-a-clusterfuck-in-the-making/774070/10677 "2017-08-26T21:34:30Z")
> [@The\_Other\_Waldo\_Pepper](#): > > Is there a reason why Trump wouldn’t simply pardon himself? [http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=831594](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=831594) ---
**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:** [August 26, 2017, 9:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-administration-a-clusterfuck-in-the-making/774070/10678 "2017-08-26T21:55:15Z")
> [@Siam\_Sam](#): > > … whatever dark god he worships … El Dionero ---
**Author:** ![Walken\_After\_Midnight](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/b487fb/32.png) [@Walken\_After\_Midnight](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Walken_After_Midnight)\ **Post date:** [August 27, 2017, 2:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-administration-a-clusterfuck-in-the-making/774070/10679 "2017-08-27T14:43:01Z")
No surprise that the Donald has been bragging about the size of his hurricane on Twitter. > [@realDonaldTrump](#): > > Storm turned Hurricane is getting much bigger and more powerful than projected… > [@realDonaldTrump](#): > > … Record setting rainfall. > [@realDonaldTrump](#): > > Many people are now saying that this is the worst storm/hurricane they have ever seen… > [@realDonaldTrump](#): > > Wow - Now experts are calling #Harvey a once in 500 year flood! … > [@realDonaldTrump](#): > > … Even experts have said they’ve never seen one like this! ---
**Author:** ![ElvisL1ves](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/5daacb/32.png) [@ElvisL1ves](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ElvisL1ves)\ **Post date:** [August 27, 2017, 3:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-administration-a-clusterfuck-in-the-making/774070/10680 "2017-08-27T15:55:35Z")
Heck of a job, Brownie. ---
**Author:** ![Fiveyearlurker](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/da6949/32.png) [@Fiveyearlurker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fiveyearlurker)\ **Post date:** [August 27, 2017, 4:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-administration-a-clusterfuck-in-the-making/774070/10681 "2017-08-27T16:10:39Z")
Tillerson giving Trump a [glowing endorsement](http://www.politico.com/story/2017/08/27/tillerson-trump-fox-charlottesville-gorka-242073). Wait. What’s the opposite of a glowing endorsement? \*“We express America’s values from the State Department. We represent the American people, we represent America’s values, our commitment to freedom, our commitment to equal treatment of people the world over and that message has never changed,” Tillerson said. “I don’t believe anyone doubts the American people’s values or the commitment of the American government or the government’s agencies to advancing those values and defending those values.” “And the president’s values?” Fox anchor Chris Wallace followed up, to which the secretary of state replied: “The president speaks for himself, Chris.” “Are you separating yourself from that, sir?” Wallace asked. “I’ve spoken — I’ve made my own comments as to our values as well in a speech I gave to the State Department this past week,” Tillerson said. \* ---
**Author:** ![JohnT](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnt/32/15048_2.png) [@JohnT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JohnT)\ **Post date:** [August 27, 2017, 4:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-administration-a-clusterfuck-in-the-making/774070/10682 "2017-08-27T16:18:38Z")
The Donald retweeted a SA Food Bank tweet. I know many of the people in the picture, and they all loathe Trump. Too bad they didn’t get my wife in the shot. She was there, but putting dinner packs together in another room. ---
**Author:** ![asahi](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/asahi/32/8693_2.png) [@asahi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/asahi)\ **Post date:** [August 27, 2017, 4:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-administration-a-clusterfuck-in-the-making/774070/10683 "2017-08-27T16:26:55Z")
Does Harvey have his papers? BUILD THAT WALL! :rolleyes: [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-administration-a-clusterfuck-in-the-making/774070.md?page=533) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-administration-a-clusterfuck-in-the-making/774070.md?page=535)