# 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:** 788
**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:** [January 20, 2018, 12:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-administration-a-clusterfuck-in-the-making/774070/15745 "2018-01-20T00:02:31Z")
> [@SlackerInc](#): > > I’m not bothered by those “sketches” (is that what you call a bit on Weekend Update?) but I think “a smart guy who’s kind to the mentally disabled” is a fair description of the way Donald Trump Jr. is portrayed in them. Yeah; he’s portrayed as being of at least an average level of both intelligence, and personal decency. And neither assessment seems to correspond with the reality. > [@asahi](#): > > [https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/powerpost/wp/2018/01/18/i-just-dont-like-muslim-people-trump-appointee-resigns-after-racist-sexist-and-anti-gay-remarks/?utm\_term=.78306ab770dc](https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/powerpost/wp/2018/01/18/i-just-dont-like-muslim-people-trump-appointee-resigns-after-racist-sexist-and-anti-gay-remarks/?utm_term=.78306ab770dc) > DHS official Carl Higbie resigns after several racist remarks surface > apology, but who cares at this point. > > Anyone who denies that this administration is loaded with bigots is in denial. It might be the most racist administration since Woodrow Wilson’s. I wonder if all, or most, of these people were recommended for appointments in this administration by the Heritage Foundation? (Clearly Trump hasn’t bestirred himself to find anyone, so it has to be someone else digging them up.) ---
**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 20, 2018, 12:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-administration-a-clusterfuck-in-the-making/774070/15746 "2018-01-20T00:12:04Z")
> [@Sherrerd](#): > > Yeah; he’s portrayed as being of at least an average level of both intelligence, and personal decency. > > And neither assessment seems to correspond with the reality. > > **I wonder if all, or most, of these people were recommended for appointments in this administration by the Heritage Foundation?** > > (Clearly Trump hasn’t bestirred himself to find anyone, so it has to be someone else digging them up.) Yes. They also compiled the list from which Trump selected Gorsuch for SCOTUS. Though it should be noted that the original list did not contain Gorsuch’s name. The list was amended to include Gorsuch after he was recommended. By the Mercers. ---
**Author:** ![Bryan\_Ekers](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bryan_ekers/32/183_2.png) [@Bryan\_Ekers](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bryan_Ekers)\ **Post date:** [January 20, 2018, 12:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-administration-a-clusterfuck-in-the-making/774070/15747 "2018-01-20T00:31:25Z")
> [@Sherrerd](#): > > Yeah; he’s portrayed as being of at least an average level of both intelligence, and personal decency. > > And neither assessment seems to correspond with the reality. Well, I could buy that Trump is of average intelligence (albeit mingled with a number of negative personality traits). I just wouldn’t get why it would be desirable to have a person of average intelligence _be the fucking President_. What’s with this Harrison Bergeron shit, already? ---
**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 20, 2018, 12:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-administration-a-clusterfuck-in-the-making/774070/15748 "2018-01-20T00:49:30Z")
> [@Bryan\_Ekers](#): > > Well, I could buy that Trump is of average intelligence (albeit mingled with a number of negative personality traits). I just wouldn’t get why it would be desirable to have a person of average intelligence _be the fucking President_. What’s with this Harrison Bergeron shit, already? I could buy that Trump (Sr) was once of average-or-even-slightly-better intelligence, but no way in hell can I buy he’s that smart now - he clearly suffers from massive public lapses of memory and cognitive function. I also can’t buy that he’s 6’3", or that he’s 239lbs. There’s very little that that turdbucket says about himself that I’d believe, actually. On the other hand I have no opinions whatsoever about Trump Jr, who was the Trump being discussed. ---
**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:** [January 20, 2018, 12:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-administration-a-clusterfuck-in-the-making/774070/15749 "2018-01-20T00:51:13Z")
> [@Bryan\_Ekers](#): > > What’s with this Harrison Bergeron shit, already? I just want to applaud the nod to Harrison Bergeron. ---
**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:** [January 20, 2018, 1:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-administration-a-clusterfuck-in-the-making/774070/15750 "2018-01-20T01:07:05Z")
> [@Aspenglow](#): > > Yes. They also compiled the list from which Trump selected Gorsuch for SCOTUS. Though it should be noted that the original list did not contain Gorsuch’s name. The list was amended to include Gorsuch after he was recommended. By the Mercers. Those are some very creepy people. And one wonders why, given the way the racists have been encouraged by November 2016 and its aftermath, the Heritage Foundation doesn’t drop the pretense, and simply add “White” to the forefront of their name. ---
**Author:** ![Bryan\_Ekers](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bryan_ekers/32/183_2.png) [@Bryan\_Ekers](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bryan_Ekers)\ **Post date:** [January 20, 2018, 1:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-administration-a-clusterfuck-in-the-making/774070/15751 "2018-01-20T01:27:23Z")
> [@begbert2](#): > > On the other hand I have no opinions whatsoever about Trump Jr, who was the Trump being discussed. I acknowledge my error. ---
**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 20, 2018, 1:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-administration-a-clusterfuck-in-the-making/774070/15752 "2018-01-20T01:34:37Z")
> [@Sherrerd](#): > > Those are some very creepy people. > > And one wonders why, given the way the racists have been encouraged by November 2016 and its aftermath, the Heritage Foundation doesn’t drop the pretense, and simply add “White” to the forefront of their name. Too right. In my opinion, every American who calls him or herself a patriot owes a duty to research just how far and deep those Koch tentacles reach. They are literally everywhere: Cato Institute, Americans for Prosperity, American Enterprise Institute, Heritage Foundation, Club for Growth and so many others. This is in addition to their private charitable foundations that contribute massively to organizations over which they then exert their influence, such as the NRA, the Federalist Society, the Institute for Justice (sic) and again, many others. They funded the Tea Party. They fund – or don’t fund – campaigns as they choose, exerting tremendous influence over the election process. They’ve been playing a long game and I think they, along with their oligarch buddies, believe this is their moment. Now that Republicans have achieved their masters’ smash 'n grab tax cuts, the money will flow freely to fund campaigns in November and beyond. IMHO, knowing which politicians and entities are doing Koch bidding is extremely critical to making good, informed decisions in casting our votes. ---
**Author:** ![wonky](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wonky/32/393_2.png) [@wonky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wonky)\ **Post date:** [January 20, 2018, 1:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-administration-a-clusterfuck-in-the-making/774070/15753 "2018-01-20T01:57:59Z")
> [@kaylasdad99](#): > > No, what I’m implying is that I thought the CR and the budget would be distinct topics. I appear to have been mistaken. It’s a confusing topic, and Congress doesn’t exactly make it easy! ---
**Author:** ![magnusblitz](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/b4bc9f/32.png) [@magnusblitz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/magnusblitz)\ **Post date:** [January 20, 2018, 2:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-administration-a-clusterfuck-in-the-making/774070/15754 "2018-01-20T02:27:09Z")
> [@begbert2](#): > > I also can’t buy that he’s 6’3", or that he’s 239lbs. Me neither, so I felt compelled to look up some photographic evidence. [In this pic from the GOP debate](https://i.imgur.com/hjhyHlp.jpg) he’s clearly much shorter than Jeb Bush, who is listed as 6’3" according to Google. And in [this pic standing next to Obama](http://a.abcnews.com/images/Politics/GTY-trumps-obamas-transition-jef-170120_3x2_1600.jpg) he’s roughly the same height as Obama (maybe a bit shorter given their hairstyles) and Obama is listed as 6’1". So yeah, he’s definitely overstating his height by 2-3 inches. ---
**Author:** ![Guest-starring\_Id](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/guest-starring_id/32/21736_2.png) [@Guest-starring\_Id](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Guest-starring_Id)\ **Post date:** [January 20, 2018, 2:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-administration-a-clusterfuck-in-the-making/774070/15755 "2018-01-20T02:51:23Z")
> [@Aspenglow](#): > > Too right. > > In my opinion, every American who calls him or herself a patriot owes a duty to research just how far and deep those Koch tentacles reach. They are literally everywhere: Cato Institute, Americans for Prosperity, American Enterprise Institute, Heritage Foundation, Club for Growth and so many others. > > This is in addition to their private charitable foundations that contribute massively to organizations over which they then exert their influence, such as the NRA, the Federalist Society, the Institute for Justice (sic) and again, many others. > > They funded the Tea Party. They fund – or don’t fund – campaigns as they choose, exerting tremendous influence over the election process. > > They’ve been playing a long game and I think they, along with their oligarch buddies, believe this is their moment. Now that Republicans have achieved their masters’ smash 'n grab tax cuts, the money will flow freely to fund campaigns in November and beyond. > > IMHO, knowing which politicians and entities are doing Koch bidding is extremely critical to making good, informed decisions in casting our votes. > [@Aspenglow](#): > > …the Mercers. > [@Sherrerd](#): > > Those are some very creepy people. Indeed, Americans should also bone up on this [father and daughter tag team.](https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2017/03/27/the-reclusive-hedge-fund-tycoon-behind-the-trump-presidency) Paywalled - a couple snippets - > [@](#): > > Mercer strongly supported the nomination of Jeff Sessions to be Trump’s Attorney General. Many civil-rights groups opposed the nomination, pointing out that Sessions has in the past expressed racist views. Mercer, for his part, has argued that the Civil Rights Act, in 1964, was a major mistake. According to the onetime Renaissance employee, Mercer has asserted repeatedly that African-Americans were better off economically before the civil-rights movement. (Few scholars agree.) He has also said that the problem of racism in America is exaggerated. The source said that, not long ago, he heard Mercer proclaim that there are no white racists in America today, only black racists. > [@](#): > > "[Rebekah] is the First Lady of the alt-right,” Christopher Ruddy, the owner of the conservative outlet Newsmax Media, said. “She’s respected in conservative circles, and clearly Trump has embraced her in a big way.” > [@](#): > > By 2016, Breitbart News claims, it had the most shared political content on Facebook, giving the Mercers a platform that no other conservative donors could match. Rebekah Mercer is highly engaged with Breitbart’s content. An insider there said, “She reads every story, and calls when there are grammatical errors or typos.” Though she doesn’t dictate a political line to the editors, she often points out areas of coverage that she thinks require more attention. Her views about the Washington establishment, including the Republican leadership, are scathing. “She was at the avant-garde of shuttering both political parties,” the insider at Breitbart said. “She went a long way toward the redefinition of American politics.” ---
**Author:** ![The\_Tooth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/c67d28/32.png) [@The\_Tooth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Tooth)\ **Post date:** [January 20, 2018, 3:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-administration-a-clusterfuck-in-the-making/774070/15756 "2018-01-20T03:23:13Z")
Maybe he measured his height on a good hair day. ---
**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 20, 2018, 3:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-administration-a-clusterfuck-in-the-making/774070/15757 "2018-01-20T03:33:18Z")
> [@The\_Tooth](#): > > Maybe he measured his height on a good hair day. He has those? ---
**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 20, 2018, 3:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-administration-a-clusterfuck-in-the-making/774070/15758 "2018-01-20T03:37:43Z")
Interestingly, the Kochs and the Mercers don’t especially like each other, but it appears they have set aside their differences to the extent they’re happy to keep their grubby paws on the levers of power for as long as the American people allow them to do it. The Mercers fund the opposition candidate, a fellow named Art Robinson, to my representative in the House, Peter DeFazio, every election. Robinson loses every time, but I learned that the Mercers have a back-up plan for him. They want him to be the Chief Science Advisor for the Trump “administration.” Some things Art Robinson believes: He’s the author of the Oregon Petition, a fake document often touted as the petition signed by “scientists” who don’t believe in climate change, such as the Spice Girls’ Geri Halliwell, Charles Darwin and I. C. Ewe. He of course believes that climate change is a hoax. He believes humans will develop an “immunity” to the adverse effects of nuclear radiation by sprinkling small amounts of nuclear waste on people from the air. He has collected literally thousands of human urine samples, believing they hold the key to extending the human life span. Many Oregonians have been happy to mail him additional samples for his collection every election cycle. The Mercers love this guy. ---
**Author:** ![The\_Tooth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/c67d28/32.png) [@The\_Tooth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Tooth)\ **Post date:** [January 20, 2018, 3:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-administration-a-clusterfuck-in-the-making/774070/15759 "2018-01-20T03:39:09Z")
> [@running\_coach](#): > > He has those? Think in terms of altitude. ---
**Author:** ![Guest-starring\_Id](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/guest-starring_id/32/21736_2.png) [@Guest-starring\_Id](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Guest-starring_Id)\ **Post date:** [January 20, 2018, 4:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-administration-a-clusterfuck-in-the-making/774070/15760 "2018-01-20T04:01:55Z")
I should’ve qualified, in my previous post: > [@](#): > > “[Rebekah Mercer] was at the avant-garde of shuttering both political parties,” the insider at Breitbart said. “She went a long way toward the redefinition of American politics.” Sure, like rubbing a towel back and forth between one’s legs, with the towel being the resulting definition, if that’s what this insidery insider\* meant. \*Of course another gutless Breitbarter, probably telling Mayer, on the phone, “_duuuurr_ I forgot my name, bye.” > [@Aspenglow](#): > > [Oregon Petition.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oregon_Petition) Yikes - I’ve never heard of this before. (and probably should have) I could see Pruitt trying to sneak extra signatures (if it’s at some convention or town hall or something) when no one’s looking. He just stands there looking askance, totally skeevy, just waiting…waiting…and boom - quickly jots his name again. ---
**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:** [January 20, 2018, 8:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-administration-a-clusterfuck-in-the-making/774070/15761 "2018-01-20T20:21:53Z")
This is our first shutdown viewed closeup. We were in Bangkok for the others. Fortunately we’re in a position where it’s not going to _directly_ affect us too much. The wife’s immigration matters are all up to date. I don’t need my passport renewed anytime soon. No government payments that could be suspended. Not a government employee, so no furlough. No plans to visit a national park too soon (although we do have plans for March). But we feel for those who are going to be inconvenienced to any extent. Say, if this lasts long enough, could it effectively cancel tax day in April? ---
**Author:** ![enipla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/54ee81/32.png) [@enipla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/enipla)\ **Post date:** [January 20, 2018, 9:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-administration-a-clusterfuck-in-the-making/774070/15762 "2018-01-20T21:05:53Z")
So the Republicans shut down government to prevent children from getting health care. And to kick out people that have been here for years. What a lovely bunch they are. ---
**Author:** ![SteveG1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/bb73d2/32.png) [@SteveG1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SteveG1)\ **Post date:** [January 20, 2018, 11:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-administration-a-clusterfuck-in-the-making/774070/15763 "2018-01-20T23:00:59Z")
> [@enipla](#): > > So the Republicans shut down government to prevent children from getting health care. And to kick out people that have been here for years. What a lovely bunch they are. And to not let the military get paid … The Dems had a provision or resolution (whatever you call it), so the military (that the Repubs love so much and beat everyone over the head with so much) would get paid. McConnell and the Repubs shot that down too. Meanwhile expect Trump to keep sabotaging. ---
**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 20, 2018, 11:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-administration-a-clusterfuck-in-the-making/774070/15764 "2018-01-20T23:20:20Z")
Trump apparently thinks the Women’s March is in support him. “Beautiful weather all over our great country, a perfect day for all Women to March. Get out there now to celebrate the historic milestones and unprecedented economic success and wealth creation that has taken place over the last 12 months. Lowest female unemployment in 18 years!” > [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-administration-a-clusterfuck-in-the-making/774070.md?page=787) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-administration-a-clusterfuck-in-the-making/774070.md?page=789)