Trump Watch 20180714

I guess he's a Frenemy?

So, Trump is going to meet with Putin, and has said it might be his easiest meeting during his European trip.  Not long after that, the Justice Department indicted 12 Russian agents for hacking the DNC and Clinton presidential campaigns.

It is going to be interesting to see how Trump spins this, although I expect that we will be treated to another declaration of a wonderful and productive meeting, and that Trump was assured by Putin that the Russians didn't really do any hacking that may have affected the Presidential Campaign.  It's also not very clear as to what is actually even on the agenda for a meeting with Putin.

It does bear noting that Trump himself seems to be seeking improved relations with Russia, while the rest of his administration seems to consider Russia a de-stabilizing force that wants to diminish American influence throughout the world, to American detriment, and that the Russians have been taking action to achieve that end.  Promoting Trump during the last election was a part of that, but for Trump to admit that damages his ego, and his legitimacy.  I'd also say that Trump actually admires Putin for being the sort of Strongman Trump would like to be.

It's going to be interesting to see/hear what comes of their meeting.

• Stormy Daniels
• Trump Charity lawsuit by New York Attorney General
• FBI investigation (it keeps being called a Russian Collusion investigation, but I'm pretty sure more to it than that at this point)
• North Korea
• The Space Force
• The Border Wall
• Alien Children Detention/family separation
• Presidential Pardons
• Civil War Monuments
• Muslim Travel Ban
• China Tariffs/Trade
• Canada-G7 Tariffs/Trade
• NAFTA
• Puerto Rico response
• Military Parade in Washington
• World Trade Organization
• Covfefe Syndrome
• NATO
• Russia/Putin relationship

Giuliani still there as Lawyer
John F. Kelly still there as Chief of Staff - 6-29-2018  Trump says "Things Happen."
Jeff Sessions still there as Attorney General
Sarah Huckabee Sanders still there as Press Secretary, rumors continue to be denied.
Mike Pompeo - Secretary of State

John Bolton - National Security Advisor

Marc Short - White House Legislative Affairs Director - no denial of plans regarding his departure prior to the 2018 midterms.

Kirstjen Nielsen - Homeland Security Secretary

Joe Hagin - White House deputy Chief of Staff is resigning.- reported June 19th

Scott Pruitt - EPA Director - Resigned 7-5-2018