# 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:** 777
**Author:** ![jasg](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/f0a364/32.png) [@jasg](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jasg)\ **Post date:** [January 16, 2018, 6:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-administration-a-clusterfuck-in-the-making/774070/15525 "2018-01-16T18:15:54Z")
> [@pulykamell](#): > > I do have an Alexa, and I don’t even know how to fuck to make that thing order stuff for me. I would assume there’s at least a layer or two of authorization involved, but I (and nobody I know) has ever used it for actually ordering stuff. You use a App to set up your Echo device(s). Buried near the bottom of the Settings list, there is a setting for Echo devices called “Voice Shopping”. It defaults to ON. - you ask it to order something. - it responds with a price and asks if you want to order it. - you say yes or no. So, it is easier than you might think. ---
**Author:** ![kenobi\_65](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kenobi_65/32/13178_2.png) [@kenobi\_65](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kenobi_65)\ **Post date:** [January 16, 2018, 6:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-administration-a-clusterfuck-in-the-making/774070/15526 "2018-01-16T18:21:07Z")
> [@CalMeacham](#): > > Is there a reason for the apparent spelling error? Did the Maddowblog learn about this and thus didn’t post about it? something odd here. > > Here, too: > > [Did the White House Fake Trump’s Physical Results?](https://thegrapevine.theroot.com/did-the-white-house-fake-trump-s-physical-results-1822067412) And, as that article notes, the use of the title “Dr.” in the signature, rather than “M.D.”, feels a little odd (as does, to me, the complete lack of mention of his military rank in his title). Might well be honest mistakes, but with an administration that’s regularly misrepresented things, it sticks out. BTW, Maddow again mentioned the Ronnie / Ronny typo on her show last night, as she talked about the upcoming news conference on the physical. ---
**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 16, 2018, 6:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-administration-a-clusterfuck-in-the-making/774070/15527 "2018-01-16T18:21:18Z")
Homeland Security chief Kirstjen Nielsen can [weasel and give non-answers](https://talkingpointsmemo.com/livewire/dhs-secretary-kiersten-nielson-trump-tough-language) with the best of them. It is a skill I don’t think I could learn. She simply will not answer the questions asked. ---
**Author:** ![pulykamell](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pulykamell/32/3166_2.png) [@pulykamell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pulykamell)\ **Post date:** [January 16, 2018, 6:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-administration-a-clusterfuck-in-the-making/774070/15528 "2018-01-16T18:27:01Z")
> [@jasg](#): > > You use a App to set up your Echo device(s). Buried near the bottom of the Settings list, there is a setting for Echo devices called “Voice Shopping”. > > It defaults to ON. > > - you ask it to order something. > - it responds with a price and asks if you want to order it. > - you say yes or no. > > So, it is easier than you might think. Hmm…Indeed it does seem to be that easy. Thanks. I’ve set up a voice code just in case. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![VinylTurnip](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/b2d939/32.png) [@VinylTurnip](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/VinylTurnip)\ **Post date:** [January 16, 2018, 7:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-administration-a-clusterfuck-in-the-making/774070/15529 "2018-01-16T19:05:44Z")
> [@Crotalus](#): > > Homeland Security chief Kirstjen Nielsen can [weasel and give non-answers](https://talkingpointsmemo.com/livewire/dhs-secretary-kiersten-nielson-trump-tough-language) with the best of them. It is a skill I don’t think I could learn. She simply will not answer the questions asked. I remain fascinated that apparently no one in Trump’s party, or even in his own administration, pays attention when he talks. ---
**Author:** ![Robot\_Arm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/robot_arm/32/18280_2.png) [@Robot\_Arm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Robot_Arm)\ **Post date:** [January 16, 2018, 7:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-administration-a-clusterfuck-in-the-making/774070/15530 "2018-01-16T19:14:09Z")
> [@ThelmaLou](#): > > The USA hasn’t hit rock bottom \*yet \*IMHO. I have this image of Trump shambling out of the white house in his bathrobe carrying an ashtray, a paddle game, a remote control, a lamp… ---
**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:** [January 16, 2018, 7:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-administration-a-clusterfuck-in-the-making/774070/15531 "2018-01-16T19:27:34Z")
> [@Robot\_Arm](#): > > I have this image of Trump shambling out of the white house in his bathrobe carrying an ashtray, a paddle game, a remote control, a lamp… I object! Navin was a good-hearted man though a bit on the dim side. ---
**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:** [January 16, 2018, 7:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-administration-a-clusterfuck-in-the-making/774070/15532 "2018-01-16T19:37:50Z")
> “Sources say Bannon told by WH not to answer questions before House Intel Cmte about the White House and the transition. Did not assert executive privilege. Committee subpoenas him during the meeting to comply while in the hearing.” To unpack this: Bannon goes to the committee, Refuses to testify, said he was acting on orders from the WH, Does not claim Executive Privilege (not too sure he could, given he is a private citizen, but anyway) **While sitting in front of the committee _Bannon is served with a subpoena, compelling him to testify to the committee_** These people should have paid more attention during the transition. ---
**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 16, 2018, 7:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-administration-a-clusterfuck-in-the-making/774070/15533 "2018-01-16T19:45:49Z")
> [@JohnT](#): > > [x.com](https://twitter.com/ChadPergram/status/953332280277241856) > > “Sources say Bannon told by WH not to answer questions before House Intel Cmte about the White House and the transition. Did not assert executive privilege. Committee subpoenas him during the meeting to comply while in the hearing.” > > To unpack this: > > Bannon goes to the committee, > Refuses to testify, said he was acting on orders from the WH, > Does not claim Executive Privilege (not too sure he could, given he is a private citizen, but anyway) > **While sitting in front of the committee _Bannon is served with a subpoena, compelling him to testify to the committee_** > > These people should have paid more attention during the transition. Would the WH actually be able (legally) to order him not to testify? ---
**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 16, 2018, 8:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-administration-a-clusterfuck-in-the-making/774070/15534 "2018-01-16T20:00:02Z")
Bannon ordered to appear before Mueller grand jury > **[Trump Russia: Bannon 'ordered to testify to grand jury'](https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-42710630#)** > > The ex-Trump aide is summoned to testify before a grand jury in the US Russia inquiry, reports say. ---
**Author:** ![BobLibDem](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/boblibdem/32/3149_2.png) [@BobLibDem](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BobLibDem)\ **Post date:** [January 16, 2018, 8:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-administration-a-clusterfuck-in-the-making/774070/15535 "2018-01-16T20:14:14Z")
> [@simster](#): > > Would the WH actually be able (legally) to order him not to testify? I think not. If his testimony would incriminate him, he can plead the fifth but otherwise he can be found in contempt of Congress. ---
**Author:** ![kenobi\_65](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kenobi_65/32/13178_2.png) [@kenobi\_65](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kenobi_65)\ **Post date:** [January 16, 2018, 8:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-administration-a-clusterfuck-in-the-making/774070/15536 "2018-01-16T20:22:14Z")
> [@ThelmaLou](#): > > Aren’t we supposed to get a detailed report today on thump’s physical? I want to hear the excellent nitty gritty on his excellent health. Weight, BMI, fasting blood sugar, cholesterol, blood pressure—you know, the good stuff. > > Any bets on whether such a detailed report will be forthcoming today or ever? It’s getting late in the day in Washington, and after looking at a number of news sites (NBC, CBS, BBC, WaPo), I can’t find any information suggesting that this detailed report or press conference has actually happened, or what it contained. Has anyone else seen anything? ---
**Author:** ![jsc1953](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/5daacb/32.png) [@jsc1953](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jsc1953)\ **Post date:** [January 16, 2018, 8:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-administration-a-clusterfuck-in-the-making/774070/15537 "2018-01-16T20:23:52Z")
I think I saw a box on CNN that said results today at 3:30 ET ---
**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:** [January 16, 2018, 8:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-administration-a-clusterfuck-in-the-making/774070/15538 "2018-01-16T20:31:02Z")
Re: Alexa and Amazon and Hucky-Boo-Boo’s (I like it) Batman kid - It didn’t even dawn on me that it was an attack on Bezos-Amazon, but that does make sense. Other than that I couldn’t figure out why she was relating a tale that just made her out to be an idiot, unless she was trying to lighten things up and go for self-effacing … a term I don’t think has ever been offered to describe anything in this administration. However, my reply is - and this in not because of my contempt for Huckabee - ha ha, serves you right you dumbass. Why on earth anyone would put one of these devices from hell in their homes in the first place is beyond me. Fine, this solidly places me into old man territory, but come on people. We have magic in our pockets now. We don’t need computers more powerful than Apollo 11 to make phone calls and yet we all have them. Do we really need to voice our wishes into the ether only to have them granted now too? Holy shit, look in a cook book if you need to know how many sticks of butter in a cup. Fuck, look on the goddamned package of butter! Ok. I’m better now. But come on. Talk about first world problems. My toddler used my magic I Don’t Feel Like Getting Off My Ass box to get a toy? Jesus H. ---
**Author:** ![Celidin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/cc9497/32.png) [@Celidin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Celidin)\ **Post date:** [January 16, 2018, 8:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-administration-a-clusterfuck-in-the-making/774070/15539 "2018-01-16T20:33:02Z")
> [@Jack\_Batty](#): > > Re: Alexa and Amazon and Hucky-Boo-Boo’s (I like it) Batman kid - > > It didn’t even dawn on me that it was an attack on Bezos-Amazon, but that does make sense. Other than that I couldn’t figure out why she was relating a tale that just made her out to be an idiot, unless she was trying to lighten things up and go for self-effacing … a term I don’t think has ever been offered to describe anything in this administration. > > However, my reply is - and this in not because of my contempt for Huckabee - ha ha, serves you right you dumbass. Why on earth anyone would put one of these devices from hell in their homes in the first place is beyond me. Fine, this solidly places me into old man territory, but come on people. We have magic in our pockets now. We don’t need computers more powerful than Apollo 11 to make phone calls and yet we all have them. Do we really need to voice our wishes into the ether only to have them granted now too? Holy shit, look in a cook book if you need to know how many sticks of butter in a cup. Fuck, look on the goddamned package of butter! > > Ok. I’m better now. But come on. Talk about first world problems. My toddler used my Magic I Don’t Feel Like Getting Off My Ass box to get a toy? Jesus H. I was promised a future where I could go “Computer, Lights!” and have all the lights turn on. Dammit, I want that. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![kenobi\_65](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kenobi_65/32/13178_2.png) [@kenobi\_65](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kenobi_65)\ **Post date:** [January 16, 2018, 8:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-administration-a-clusterfuck-in-the-making/774070/15540 "2018-01-16T20:38:51Z")
> [@Celidin](#): > > I was promised a future where I could go “Computer, Lights!” and have all the lights turn on. Dammit, I want that. > > 🙂 Assuming this isn’t a whoosh: you can totally do that today with an Echo or a Google Assistant. > **[Amazon.com: Kasa Smart WiFi Plug by TP-Link - Smart Plug, No Hub Required, Works...](https://www.amazon.com/Kasa-Smart-HS100-WiFi-White/dp/B0178IC734)** > > Control lighting and other appliances from anywhere with the Kasa Smart Wi Fi Plug. Schedule connected devices turn on when you get home, then power down when you go to sleep. Control each outlet individually or as one, set schedules or scenes, even... ---
**Author:** ![jsc1953](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/5daacb/32.png) [@jsc1953](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jsc1953)\ **Post date:** [January 16, 2018, 8:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-administration-a-clusterfuck-in-the-making/774070/15541 "2018-01-16T20:39:10Z")
> [@Celidin](#): > > I was promised a future where I could go “Computer, Lights!” and have all the lights turn on. Dammit, I want that. > > 🙂 I look forward to the day when the computer responds with “What, are your legs broken?” ---
**Author:** ![Snowboarder\_Bo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/snowboarder_bo/32/229_2.png) [@Snowboarder\_Bo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Snowboarder_Bo)\ **Post date:** [January 16, 2018, 8:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-administration-a-clusterfuck-in-the-making/774070/15542 "2018-01-16T20:39:14Z")
> [@Jack\_Batty](#): > > Re: Alexa and Amazon and Hucky-Boo-Boo’s (I like it) Batman kid - > > It didn’t even dawn on me that it was an attack on Bezos-Amazon, but that does make sense. Other than that I couldn’t figure out why she was relating a tale that just made her out to be an idiot, unless she was trying to lighten things up and go for self-effacing … a term I don’t think has ever been offered to describe anything in this administration. > > However, my reply is - and this in not because of my contempt for Huckabee - ha ha, serves you right you dumbass. Why on earth anyone would put one of these devices from hell in their homes in the first place is beyond me. Fine, this solidly places me into old man territory, but come on people. We have magic in our pockets now. We don’t need computers more powerful than Apollo 11 to make phone calls and yet we all have them. Do we really need to voice our wishes into the ether only to have them granted now too? Holy shit, look in a cook book if you need to know how many sticks of butter in a cup. Fuck, look on the goddamned package of butter! > > Ok. I’m better now. But come on. Talk about first world problems. My toddler used my magic I Don’t Feel Like Getting Off My Ass box to get a toy? Jesus H. It prolly was ordered thru Prime Now, so it got to them in less than 2 hours; I bet that was also considered far too slow as it should have been there instantly. I mean, if the kid wanted it, surely they wanted it NOW, right? ---
**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:** [January 16, 2018, 8:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-administration-a-clusterfuck-in-the-making/774070/15543 "2018-01-16T20:40:38Z")
Believe me, I recognize the irony. But a wiser man than I once said something like, “we used to be paranoid that the government was bugging us and now we voluntarily place bugging devices in our homes.” I guess I was just less paranoid when I was watching The Jetsons in the salad days. [also this a fascinating study in my anal retentive five minute editing between quotes and post-edit original post] ---
**Author:** ![CalMeacham](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/calmeacham/32/35_2.png) [@CalMeacham](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CalMeacham)\ **Post date:** [January 16, 2018, 9:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-administration-a-clusterfuck-in-the-making/774070/15544 "2018-01-16T21:20:31Z")
> [@jsc1953](#): > > I look forward to the day when the computer responds with “What, are your legs broken?” “I’m sorry, Dave. I can’t do that.” [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-administration-a-clusterfuck-in-the-making/774070.md?page=776) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-administration-a-clusterfuck-in-the-making/774070.md?page=778)