President Trump’s 500th day in office has begun much like the 499 before it – with a smorgasbord of tweets to set the day’s media narrative.
He began – as one would expect – with some gloating at his achievements (why not, no mainstream media will be doing that). Starting with the proclamation that “many believe [he has accomplished] more than any President in his first 500 days,” the President listed off “Massive Tax & Regulation Cuts, Military & Vets, Lower Crime & Illegal Immigration, Stronger Borders, Judgeships, Best Economy & Jobs EVER,” retweeting a WSJ quote to affirm his views.
This is my 500th. Day in Office and we have accomplished a lot – many believe more than any President in his first 500 days. Massive Tax & Regulation Cuts, Military & Vets, Lower Crime & Illegal Immigration, Stronger Borders, Judgeships, Best Economy & Jobs EVER, and much more…
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 4, 2018
“This is the best time EVER to look for a job.” James Freeman of WSJ.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 4, 2018
Trump then pivoted to why his Obamacare efforts stalled – seemingly fingering John McCain for his negative vote – “We had Repeal & Replace done (and the saving to our country of one trillion dollars) except for one person, but it is getting done anyway.”
….We had Repeal & Replace done (and the saving to our country of one trillion dollars) except for one person, but it is getting done anyway. Individual Mandate is gone and great, less expensive plans will be announced this month. Drug prices coming down & Right to Try!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 4, 2018
Trump’s popcorn-maker mind then jumped across to the weekend’s political hot potato – whether he can pardon himself, should he, and/or would he? Trump confirmed Giuliani’s statements that he has “the absolute right” to pardon himself — but added that he has “done nothing wrong.”
As has been stated by numerous legal scholars, I have the absolute right to PARDON myself, but why would I do that when I have done nothing wrong? In the meantime, the never ending Witch Hunt, led by 13 very Angry and Conflicted Democrats (& others) continues into the mid-terms!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 4, 2018
The tweet followed The New York Times’ publication of a confidential letter over the weekend, in which Trump’s lawyers argued to special counsel Robert Mueller that the president’s broad powers mean he could not have obstructed justice.
Trump’s lawyers contend in the letter that the commander in chief “could neither constitutionally nor legally constitute obstruction because that would amount to him obstructing himself, and that he could, if he wished, terminate the inquiry, or even exercise his power to pardon if he so desired.”
It seems pretty clear from President Trump’s tweet where he thinks he stands legally (albeit with an unfortunate typo)…
The appointment of the Special Councel is totally UNCONSTITUTIONAL! Despite that, we play the game because I, unlike the Democrats, have done nothing wrong!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 4, 2018
But it was Trumnp’s final tweet that made it clear where his main attention lies right now – and that he shows no signs of backing down, despite whining from America’s northern neighbor over the weekend, and op-eds galore from the PRC.
Blasting previous administrations for the terrible trade deals…
The U.S. has made such bad trade deals over so many years that we can only WIN!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 4, 2018
Trump quickly refocused attention back to what he calls “fair trade” as opposed to “free trade” by admonishing China and Canada, specifically calling out agricultural tariffs from both nations as “unacceptable.”
China already charges a tax of 16% on soybeans. Canada has all sorts of trade barriers on our Agricultural products. Not acceptable!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 4, 2018
It seems pretty clear that any hope for a backing-down in the trade wars is well and truly off the table, as Trump appeals to his base and is perhaps readying the next round of tariffs – protect our Soybean crops in the interest of national security?
via RSS https://ift.tt/2Juxa9N Tyler Durden