"Who will rid me of this administration?"
45
I can't be more embarrassed to be a US citizen than right now. All during the campaign, I kept thinking, this can't get any worse, and then he was elected. His tantrum about attendees after his inauguration was mind- boggling, his tirades toward the judges who've stopped his ban on Muslims entering the country, fake news, Kellyanne and alternatives facts, Flynn, Sally Yates, his health care plan, his tax 'reform,' his cabinet picks, his lack of knowledge and indifference to learn the job, NATO, the wall, his weekend jaunts (guess the job is not 24/7 to him), Bannon, Jared, Russians and Putin, firing Comey, Jeff Sessions all seem to dull as compared to the love-fest we saw at the latest cabinet meeting.
I wondered if any of his cabinet wanted to run home to shower after the meeting and photo op. I thought it couldn't get any worse than Nixon, but I was wrong.
I wondered if any of his cabinet wanted to run home to shower after the meeting and photo op. I thought it couldn't get any worse than Nixon, but I was wrong.
86
And in the annals of man's history you will go down as the greatest of the greats,known for your wisdom , vast knowledge ,and humility .oh that we should have the privilege of bowing before you and reveling in your presence and inner light.
27
And this cabinet submitted into adulation is probably by now reality by make believe in the republican propaganda machine and its low information audience.
5
"God is working through Donald Trump." When I heard this a few days after Trump was elected, I stopped listening to Trump voters altogether. Let their teeth rot and let them starve. Maybe that will bring them back to earth, because nothing else will.
65
When will all Americans be required to have a glowing portrait of our glorious President on the wall in every house and apartment?
47
It could have gone worse! Him for example extending his hand and the sycophants of his cabinet kissing the ring one after the other! This would go well with the mafia-like mannerism of this president.
34
Surprised Kool-Aid wasn't passed around to seal loyalty.
33
The tug-of-war between horror and hilarity goes on. We can laugh through our tears and fears at the presidency of Donald Trump because we know that he can never really set himself up as the nation's Dear Leader like the one in North Korea, only better -- the best in history, with the biggest crowds in history. He'll bring history to an end first.
22
I wish someone had repeated their oath of office-'... I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same..."
33
Well, that was a disgusting display of indignity. This, from people who are more talented executives than Bankrupt Donnie. What on earth prompted that nonsense, I wonder. Seriously.
31
brilliant move by president bannon.. who no doubt orchestrated this embarrassing -- but thoroughly ruthless -- fealty pledge yesterday. what a perfect way to bring contempt and mockery to the appointed leaders of the country's departments.
seems like president bannon's assault on and dismantling of democracy continues apace.
seems like president bannon's assault on and dismantling of democracy continues apace.
26
And lurking in the background is Jared. I thought he was under investigation for treason.
22
How do any of these people look in a mirror?
29
Why would they? I suspect they have no reflections.
51
There have been Republican Giants in the Land: once, before and during the Civil War – Lincoln and Senator Charles Sumner (who was nearly beaten to death on the floor of the Senate by South Carolina Democrat Preston Brooks.) Again, in the early 1950’s, when would-be Usurper Senator Joe McCarthy fomented hysteria against even our army, Republican Senator Ralph Flanders stood up against him. Again, during the Watergate era Republican Representatives like Caldwell Butler, Lawrence Hogan, Senator Howard Baker, Attorney Eliot Richardson, and even the tough, plodding Judge John Sirica painted portraits in courage. Other than maybe John McCain, current Republicans appear like degenerate dwarves, pack - hunting predators.
Trump is afflicted, among other disorders, with oppositional defiant disorder (ODD). But that is a self-sabotaging disorder. He's an easy, diverting target. Progressives and liberals can cry out to Representatives and Senators “Repent, O’ Ye Publick Serpents.” But we need to seek person - to – person, and by commons, like letters to editors, and local mixed party meetings, to persuade persuade-able rank and file Republicans to speak out themselves. As Republicans, they need to say "I did not want, by voting Republican, to advocate such harmful policies as deporting 11 million immigrants and cutting 23 million people off Obamacare insurance!"
Trump is afflicted, among other disorders, with oppositional defiant disorder (ODD). But that is a self-sabotaging disorder. He's an easy, diverting target. Progressives and liberals can cry out to Representatives and Senators “Repent, O’ Ye Publick Serpents.” But we need to seek person - to – person, and by commons, like letters to editors, and local mixed party meetings, to persuade persuade-able rank and file Republicans to speak out themselves. As Republicans, they need to say "I did not want, by voting Republican, to advocate such harmful policies as deporting 11 million immigrants and cutting 23 million people off Obamacare insurance!"
14
trump's politburo! This guy taking us far from the democracy and he is very dangerous.
24
Trump never demonstrated the kind of talent to put together such a scene for t.v. viewer consumption. Who is responsible for this fantastic computer-generated scene? Pixar? Spielberg? Lucas? Disney? The verisimilitude is so terrific it almost looks like it could be "real" but, really, could it?
10
Another example of Trump plagiarism. This cabinet meeting was right from the Twlight Zone Episode 73 script with Billy Mummy titled "It's a Good Life". The cabinet members must feel just like the helpless adults who are forced to praise the spoiled little kid with powers way beyond his responsibility.
47
This is the newest religious cult ? the cabinet members are now singing prayer-like praises to Trump. "Our Father who art in White House, hallowed be Trump's name, Thy Will be done" ...... ?!
30
I really struggle to understand people who still support Trump. His self esteem seems so blatently, nakedly now; he needs constant external validation. It is painful to watch, and frightening that our leader in chief is so vulnerable and thin skinned.
33
This would have made for an excellent Monty Python skit. As it is, here's hoping we will see something on SNL.
42
Is this how it is done in realty TV? I do not watch it so I really do not know. May they have been following the protocols of those shows? I hope this pathetic piece of theatre circulated throughout the world. It may have brought tears of laughter (alas for many mixed with despair) to the eyes of millions. A classic scene of "the emperor has no clothes." Monty Python could not have staged it better. What's next?
24
Oh, it's gone around the world. When I saw it, I didn't know whether to laugh, cry or start building a fall-out shelter.
29
"But enough about me, let's talk about you. What do you think of me?"
57
I turned on the TV to watch the news, and got "this." I thought it was a joke. No, just our "government" at work. I had no idea it was a REAL cabinet meeting. Well, actually, it WAS a joke after all! I didn't know what it was until I read about it! How much longer can we stand it!?
33
All I saw in Trump’s press conference was a bunch of subservient sycophants humiliating themselves the way cult members follow a phony god, fawning, obsequious and unctuous, as if this snake oil salesman was selling the elixir of life. Reminds me of the Rev. Jim Jones, whose 900 followers in Jonestown, Guyana, at his behest drank poisoned Kool Aide, killing all 900 of them.
46
Reminds me of King Lear as the "daughters" strive to outlie one another in declaring their love for him. Wonder how many will treat Trump as Goneril & Regan treated Lear if he loses power.
21
There is no amount of praise that will satisfy the narcissist but it only takes a tincture of dissent to rile him. In Hitler's day and today's Putin and Kim Jong un people die for disagreeing with the great I AM.
In Trump's administration they lose their high paying jobs and prestige when he labels them viciously. Yesterday's farce at the cabinet meeting revealed what a bunch of lily-liveried cowards the Trump cabinet is. It is highly unlikely that they all meant their words of praise. They can't be that stupid. Or are they?. Certainly they must have been chosen by him for their wish washy personalities. Will no one stand up and do the right thing? Are they all brain dead? It is indeed the most bizarre bit of theater I have ever seen. They should all be ashamed of themselves for betraying their integrity and for thinking we the public would not notice.
In Trump's administration they lose their high paying jobs and prestige when he labels them viciously. Yesterday's farce at the cabinet meeting revealed what a bunch of lily-liveried cowards the Trump cabinet is. It is highly unlikely that they all meant their words of praise. They can't be that stupid. Or are they?. Certainly they must have been chosen by him for their wish washy personalities. Will no one stand up and do the right thing? Are they all brain dead? It is indeed the most bizarre bit of theater I have ever seen. They should all be ashamed of themselves for betraying their integrity and for thinking we the public would not notice.
34
Hearing these sycophants speak was a disgusting display. God we need to rid ourselves of these people.
33
Trump is apparently under the mistaken impression that he has actually passed lots of legislation and done many things. He thinks that the photo ops of him signing those memos, with his sycophants surrounding him and clapping, are actual completed legislative items.
This is the new Republican party--
"The leader is good! The leader is great! We surrender our will as of this date!"
From an episode of The Simpsons.
This is the new Republican party--
"The leader is good! The leader is great! We surrender our will as of this date!"
From an episode of The Simpsons.
32
Trump is now held in disapproval by 60% of the American people---this while Trump gathers his cabinet around him to bask in each of the duty-bound tell him how wonderful he is doing and how great, great, great it is to toddy to him---as he sits soaking it in.
14
Was anyone else reminded of "It's a Good Life”, an episode of the television series “The Twilight Zone”, where people lived in fear of a six-year-old boy, constantly telling him how everything he does is "good," since he banishes anyone thinking unhappy thoughts into the a cornfield from which there is no return? To paraphrase Rod Serling: Donald J. Trump, age 70, one of our very special citizens, who lives in a village called Trumpville in a place that used to be Washington DC. If by some strange chance you should run across him, you had best think only good thoughts. As Serling warned us each week in the ‘50’s and ‘60’s, we have entered “The Twilight Zone”.
33
Yes. Chilling episode. But there"s a zaniness to this too. Where's Groucho?
6
Just like North Korea!
13
Another Trump self-described triumph full of sound and fury, signifying nothing.
15
This reminds me of a previous cult of "The Leader"...
6
Bless me, Donald, for I have sinned against you in thought and deed. Please adjust your bionic heart to a high forgiveness level and do not fire me.
9
I saw his self-congratulatory speech and the glory, blessings, and honor bestowed upon the supreme leader by a group of people who sold their souls and America's as well. Hail Caesar!
12
In the words of songwriter Greg Brown
"I want my country back
And a good dream to stand up for
Got my hand over my heart
But I don't feel at home here anymore"
I never imagined the U.S. would begin to resemble a dictatorship
"I want my country back
And a good dream to stand up for
Got my hand over my heart
But I don't feel at home here anymore"
I never imagined the U.S. would begin to resemble a dictatorship
15
If you feel the need to stop and tell people you're doing a good job in a format that disallows any other type of comment, it means you know they don't think you're doing a good job. That is all it has ever meant.
21
Tin-pot dictators take note. This is how it's done.
40
as i have been writing, trump and bannon selected the majority of the cabinet for their weak mindedness. these sycophants were selected so that trump and bannon will not have to worry about the cabinet using the 25th amendment to get rid of trump
22
Easy now, the medieval kings formed their court traditions in order to retain their position of control over their loyal charges - brutish greedy warlords, well-trod and beaten uneducated churls and corrupt glib clergymen - so as to avoid producing a state of complete anarchy.
Trump, however, has no such prompting from his base. They couldn't possibly be made of brutes, slaves and thieves, right?
Trump, however, has no such prompting from his base. They couldn't possibly be made of brutes, slaves and thieves, right?
8
Trump reminds me of some ridiculous medieval king. There is something very wrong with our country if we cannot remove this dangerously incompetent boob from office.
36
Are we now North Korea?
31
I don't know what I found more distressing about this video. A president who continuously needs his ego stroked or a cabinet that nods in agreement with each lie (Most productive president in history!) and then tries to out stroke each other with their praise. How do they not go home each night and vomit their guts out?
63
Big embarrassment to be a member of this foul man's stinking presidency.
37
Without doubt, the absolute most disgusting display of obsequiousness I've seen in all my life.
And doesn't our so-called president love his suckups?
Bigly, I can tell you.
And doesn't our so-called president love his suckups?
Bigly, I can tell you.
48
King Trump is just getting his share of "well-deserved" flattery. As Mr. Mueller digs deeper in his investigation, we can soon see the end of the Trump reign
14
::gag::
It's a shame there are so few of us left standing who perceive the difference between statesmanship and showmanship and prefer that the POTUS err toward the former. Probably explains why so few voted for neither the Dem. or Rep. candidate in the last presidential election...
It's a shame there are so few of us left standing who perceive the difference between statesmanship and showmanship and prefer that the POTUS err toward the former. Probably explains why so few voted for neither the Dem. or Rep. candidate in the last presidential election...
5
Well, bless their hearts! Theatre of the Absurd. This silly session will frame the way the Trump cabinet members are remembered and written about in history books. It won't read well. They deserve it. Melissa McCarthy deserves a shot at this in a skit.
38
Lordy, I wish the praises sung were true! We could all rejoice in a functional executive branch and a good president. Sadly, Prez Trump lives in a world of make believe. Sad!
15
obsequious
[uh b-see-kwee-uh s]
adjective ~ characterized by or showing servile complaisance or deference; fawning: an obsequious bow.
[uh b-see-kwee-uh s]
adjective ~ characterized by or showing servile complaisance or deference; fawning: an obsequious bow.
16
What a show of low sycophantic emotion.
11
What an insecure and pathetic little man.
44
This meeting was like balsam for "His" wounds from the last 5 month. They all pledged loyalty and allegiance to the "Führer", just like in Hitlers days, in the same manner:
"Mein Führer, Dein Wunsch sei mir Befehl"
"Mein Führer, Dein Wunsch sei mir Befehl"
19
Perhaps Dear Leader will have a parade of ICBM's down Pennsylvania Avenue next.
15
That idea was actually floated for Drumpf's inauguration ceremony, but the military voted it down because the tanks were actually too heavy and would have caused severe damage to Pennsylvania Avenue.
1
Nobody has the guts to say,
The king has no clothes.
trump is just a moron.
Everyone knows it,
Even the flatterers.
A president does not need flatterers,
Such persons can crash an economy.
The king has no clothes.
trump is just a moron.
Everyone knows it,
Even the flatterers.
A president does not need flatterers,
Such persons can crash an economy.
12
What a bunch of fawning sycophants.
18
Maybe "Hail to the Chief" should be changed to "Heil Furher" given the bootlicking that went on at the cabinet meeting yesterday. What has become of the Republican Party? Independent thought has disappeared. Ethics have been abandoned and replaced with secrecy. Secrecy is for demagogy not democracy. The "new" healthcare bill is to be shared with the public!! It is our healthcare at stake and the bill should be outed and the American public consulted before any vote is taken.
14
This was a "Dear Leader" moment, right out of North Korea. I didn't know whether to laugh until I cried, at all the boot licking, or to grab a waste basket to throw up. This level of staged obsequiousness was truly nauseating. That they try to pass this of as genuine is darkly humorous in a cynical way.
Next, they'll be telling us Trump has an IQ of 160, and always shoots a 60 when he plays golf.
I also got a big laugh out of Ivanka's "I didn't realize they could be so mean to Daddy" complaint. Doesn't have a clue that Daddy is trying to screw millions out of health care, and could care less, as she has personally gained $150 million from riding the Trump crime family for all its worth.
Another Marie Antoinette, "let them eat cake" moment. Totally clueless, by choice or stupidity.
Next, they'll be telling us Trump has an IQ of 160, and always shoots a 60 when he plays golf.
I also got a big laugh out of Ivanka's "I didn't realize they could be so mean to Daddy" complaint. Doesn't have a clue that Daddy is trying to screw millions out of health care, and could care less, as she has personally gained $150 million from riding the Trump crime family for all its worth.
Another Marie Antoinette, "let them eat cake" moment. Totally clueless, by choice or stupidity.
33
Did Goneril and Regan get a chance to speak?
10
“We thank you for the opportunity and the blessing to serve your agenda.”
Obsequious lickspittles.
As I said before, no shame.
Wonder if they were worried Trump would roam around behind them with a baseball bat a la Al Capone.
Obsequious lickspittles.
As I said before, no shame.
Wonder if they were worried Trump would roam around behind them with a baseball bat a la Al Capone.
14
This scene is totally "the godfather" worthy. The only thing missing is these guys kissing Trump's hand.
15
Sycophancy and narcissism: what a gathering of men and women who have turned their backs on the public trust, betrayed their offices, traded loyalty to country for the pat on the head from Trump, and denied themselves any hope of escaping a legacy of shameless cowardice that will haunt them long after Trump is gone. Trump is a moron but what excuse do those fawning men and women offer? They possess no shame, no pride, no sense of decency. They are the embodiment of dishonour and betrayal.
22
I'm surprised each of them did not have to kneel before the supreme leader and kiss his hand. Maybe that's next weeks show.
12
HAHAHAHA. So these supposedly very successful former corporate heads went along with that. Clowns to the left, jokers to the right and in the middle Donald J Drumpf!!!
13
"Well Mr. Prez - I've gotten used to your bleach-blonde comb-over, and I don't stare at your under-sized hands as much. But those reptilian eyes? I'm still working on that."
17
I watched Trump's unhinged March press conference and I thought "Now even his supporters must realize he's an idiot." I watched him shove Prime Minister Markovic and thought "Now even his supporters must realize he's a jerk." Now I watch this repulsive video and I think "There is something really, really wrong with America."
1
Trumpty Dumpty and his cronies. Or should we say his jesters? Lapdogs? Male concubines? Other words that describe this circus? Theses people have no morals. Mattis was the only one to not kiss up to the clown at the head of the table. He'll probably get fired for it.
10
What a bunch of pathetic toadies--to a delusional, malignantly narcissistic,
mendacious buffoon.
mendacious buffoon.
15
One of my students said it best and most succinctly: "What a bunch of suck ups!" This is so embarrassing; the only positive that came forth was Senator Schumer and his staff's hilarious send up. Can't wait for SNL to parody this either.
18
Were the cameras present for the kissing of the ring?
9
The only response I can think of to say after this latest "revelation" is........OMG.
Those lost souls are truly cultists. Trump's new nickname should be .....Jim Jones.
Perhaps the same fate. One can hope.
Those lost souls are truly cultists. Trump's new nickname should be .....Jim Jones.
Perhaps the same fate. One can hope.
9
Sycophancy defined.
6
This is the saddest, most disgusting, demeaning show of sycophantic dribble I have ever seen. There are many people that have achieved high marks in their sphere (whether you agree with them or not), only to find their integrity in the toilet after 144 days. This is the ultimate of sliding into the fecal storm created by Trump. At least general Mattis saw the decency of referencing our troops, rather than this child-president.
14
Did we suddenly become Russia or North Korea when I wasn't looking? The only reason I believe such a disgusting and ridiculous thing occurred is because I saw it on the news and heard what each cabinet bozo had to say. And there was the Dumpster basking in his glory while listening to each of his puppets shower him with praise. What a pathetic, disgraceful, disgusting display for us and the world to see!
13
Nice touch to include the U.S. press in this praise fest. Where were they when Lavrov and Kislyak were offering their grinning praise for firing the "nut job"?
2
Creepiest thing I've ever seen in that Cabinet Room. I've been working in a senior financial management role in software technology for 20 years and have never seen anything like this in the board room or in exec reviews. NEVER. And to the sliver of some 100K people in key states of Wisconsin, Michigan, Ohio, and Pennsylvania who got this dope elected based on the system that we have; to those 100K who think the country has to be run like a company and he's the CEO to do it; this is what you get. A non-CEO, a non-company-like running of the country. This is cringe-inducing. How can Tillerson (former Exxon CEO) sit there with a straight face?! Mattis? OMG. The rest of them are morons. Linda McMahon! LOL. OMG. I miss Obama, I miss Bush.
18
Rex Tillerson and Jim Mattis look like they are at a funeral for their hard-won reputations.
7
This is absolutely the greatest, most fantastic, unbelievable, superb, mind-blowing display of boss stroking ever recorded. I'm sure our President lapped it up. For the rest of us? Barf!
1
first thought after listening to the drooling of "blessings" was, Jonestown???
10
I thought the noose event charade Don El Dough and his Cabinet was Putinesque. Trump seeks to destroy our democracy and turn U.S.A. into a family affair with Trump Towers and golf courses in every country worldwide.
Before the Impeachment, we need a full-length feature movie.
Alec Baldwin can play Trump who upon the first day after Impeachment before the Senate meets, Trump calls Putin and invites him to visit D.C. right away and bring a couple planeloads of his Russian soldiers to shut down Congress, then seize The Washington Post and The New York Times, all on the same day.
What a great NYTimes headline: We have a new editorial boardsky.
http://thegovernmentinexile.live
Before the Impeachment, we need a full-length feature movie.
Alec Baldwin can play Trump who upon the first day after Impeachment before the Senate meets, Trump calls Putin and invites him to visit D.C. right away and bring a couple planeloads of his Russian soldiers to shut down Congress, then seize The Washington Post and The New York Times, all on the same day.
What a great NYTimes headline: We have a new editorial boardsky.
http://thegovernmentinexile.live
6
Nice touch, having the U.S. press there for this love-in. Where were they when Lavrov and Kysliak were grinning their praise for firing the"nut job"?
8
As they used to say in the 80s: "Excuse me while I gag!"
10
Very interesting that there is not one letter defending this despicable display. Is it possible that a small light bulb has been turned on even in the dimmest corner of Trumplandia?
12
Donald was merely treating us to a preview of his daughter’s new line of fashion accessories. He is urging her to call it “LockStep.” And envisions an ad campaign featuring hundreds of thousands of Kansas’s unemployed, dressed in military brown marching on Washington.
But she is thinking along the lines of something more demure, like “Pyongyang Chic,“ or “Eau de BrownNose.” With just a handful of Kansas’s unemployed lying prostrate before an ice sculpture of her regal looking father.
But she is thinking along the lines of something more demure, like “Pyongyang Chic,“ or “Eau de BrownNose.” With just a handful of Kansas’s unemployed lying prostrate before an ice sculpture of her regal looking father.
7
I am in such a state of slack-jawed astonishment at the daily goings-on of this flabbergasting administration that I am afraid I have permanently damaged my mandible. And my insurance won't cover it.
1
This sounds more like a gathering of the Council of Ministers during Stalin's day, than a meeting of the Cabinet in the United States. Obsequious lickspittles.
14
The Dear Leader has spoken, ergo it must be true. Now everyone needs to go around the table and worship him for his dear leadership and the special privilege it is to work for him.
Meanwhile back in the world of reality: No meaningful legislation, Executive Orders struck down in multiple courts, multiple scandals including some in Russia, nepotism established, dignity and respect obliterated both at home and abroad, lawyering up faster than he can fire people for doing their jobs.
And regarding Presidents who had a lot on their plate when taking office. If I remember right, Obama had a Great Recession, a failing car industry, hundreds of thousands of unemployed each month and growing, a Republican Leadership that publically declared it would make him a one term president no matter the cost to We the People, the general Welfare or the state of the nation.
What was the situation when Dear Leader took office this time around? Recovered economy, low unemployment, low inflation, more Americans health insured than ever before and fewer troops being killed in the hellholes of the world and not a scandal to be smelled in White House.
Yes, Dear Leader is doing a heck of a job Brownie.
Meanwhile back in the world of reality: No meaningful legislation, Executive Orders struck down in multiple courts, multiple scandals including some in Russia, nepotism established, dignity and respect obliterated both at home and abroad, lawyering up faster than he can fire people for doing their jobs.
And regarding Presidents who had a lot on their plate when taking office. If I remember right, Obama had a Great Recession, a failing car industry, hundreds of thousands of unemployed each month and growing, a Republican Leadership that publically declared it would make him a one term president no matter the cost to We the People, the general Welfare or the state of the nation.
What was the situation when Dear Leader took office this time around? Recovered economy, low unemployment, low inflation, more Americans health insured than ever before and fewer troops being killed in the hellholes of the world and not a scandal to be smelled in White House.
Yes, Dear Leader is doing a heck of a job Brownie.
12
Al Capone in the movie The Untouchables.
All that was missing was Trump roaming up and down each side of the table behind the lickspittles and wielding a baseball bat.
All that was missing was Trump roaming up and down each side of the table behind the lickspittles and wielding a baseball bat.
2
Nauseating. And, not mildly!
4
this charade reminds me of the fake adulation that North Koreans shower their Deal Leader with. Trump basks in this, like every authoritarian leader.
2
A disgusting display by a childish egomaniacal megalomaniac. All hail.
1
This is so sad and more than a little sick. Does the psycho really need the ego strokes just to keep on going? Disgusting.
5
Sounds like a big "pet the cat" session where strap hangers, toadies, minions and sock puppets told a naked emperor that his clothes were just dandy. What s sorry example of self-aggrandizement and boot licking. But that is to expected by the members of the billionaire's club. And the bone about more trade school and technical education - what a joke from this group of know-nothings (mattis excepted) who never go their hands dirty on a job in their lives.
5
Gee. A complete dumb fool, surrounded by dumb fools.
Aren't the Americans not totally ashamed?
Even more: don't they feel that these people are utterly dangerous?
Aren't the Americans not totally ashamed?
Even more: don't they feel that these people are utterly dangerous?
8
You will now be required to genuflect before kissing the President's ring. Which ring? That's still up to you.
5
The Sphincter, only, for the Cabinet.
2
A cabinet of puppets.
4
Saw the show and as expected it was gelastic. These mummers are too thick to be embarrassed.
PROSECUTE RUSSIAGATE!
PROSECUTE RUSSIAGATE!
5
What a disgraceful exhibition of smug corruption. Sick to my stomach.
8
This Soviet Politburo type of sycophantic adulation of The Leader demonstrates the spinelessness of the Cabinet and the psychological sickness of the President. No emotionally healthy individual would require such abasement from his subordinates. No mentally balanced individual would himself be so far removed from the reality of his failure so far as President. And no self-respecting individuals would have sucked up in such an alien, un-American manner.
This Cabinet scene is the most troubling episode so far in a long train incidents and statements providing evidence that President Trump is a sick man unfit for office.
This Cabinet scene is the most troubling episode so far in a long train incidents and statements providing evidence that President Trump is a sick man unfit for office.
19
Obama had the most scripted, lying, and non-transparent administration in history. When his people were questioned they spoke from a script...always supporting Obama regardless of how disastrous policies were. Hypocrites. Obama had the golden pass for 8 years....hmmmm...wonder why.
A golden pass? Republicans had daily press briefings on all the things that Obama was doing wrong. I heard plenty of Obama bashing all along. Don't you worry- your disapproval came through loud and clear.
9
alpha444. What? I lived through the Obama years as a critical adult and I do not recall any of this scripted secret stuff you talk of. Obama was and is an honest forthright man and a good Christian. That he was punished by the white supremist congress, not just for being black, but for being smarter than all of them, that is true
8
Boot lickin' at it's finest. Did they bring gifts and shine his shoes. No, probably just a bucket of fried chicken, a soda and catsup. You sure didn't see many smiles on their faces, more like they were getting ready for a colonoscopy. I see the Gong Show is coming back..........this bunch should audition!
7
To Reince -
I have an idea how you can keep your job! Have a book published of Trump's wit and wisdom. But no 'Little Red Book,' go for a coffee table book with full page pictures of Donald in action along with his sayings. Think of it! Your servile performance at the Cabinet meeting could be the start of something big. You will not only save your job, but go down as one of the greatest suck ups in history, perhaps eclipsing Henry VIII's Cromwell.
I have an idea how you can keep your job! Have a book published of Trump's wit and wisdom. But no 'Little Red Book,' go for a coffee table book with full page pictures of Donald in action along with his sayings. Think of it! Your servile performance at the Cabinet meeting could be the start of something big. You will not only save your job, but go down as one of the greatest suck ups in history, perhaps eclipsing Henry VIII's Cromwell.
7
Wow, our craven, weasley cabinet finally went into full Orwellian mode.
Was that Trump's version of the loyalty oath? Has he gone full King Lear? Roman Emperors also demanded flowery praise..and with that also claimed power "Remember that I have the right to do anything to anybody.” ( Caligula) Or in Trump speak."The president can't have a conflict of interest"People love me. And you know what, I have been very successful. Everybody loves me." There is no profile in courage or team of rivals in that group... that was the most pathetic display of "loyalty" I have ever witness. They should be embarrassed...
Was that Trump's version of the loyalty oath? Has he gone full King Lear? Roman Emperors also demanded flowery praise..and with that also claimed power "Remember that I have the right to do anything to anybody.” ( Caligula) Or in Trump speak."The president can't have a conflict of interest"People love me. And you know what, I have been very successful. Everybody loves me." There is no profile in courage or team of rivals in that group... that was the most pathetic display of "loyalty" I have ever witness. They should be embarrassed...
8
To whom is our beloved president flipping the bird? It's the same sly move he made to the Italian official on his spectacularly successful European visit. He's such a class act. It certainly is a blessed thing to have this stalwart defender of the weak and the poor as a sterling roll model for our youth.
2
"I promise on my faith that I will in the future be faithful to the lord, never cause him harm and will observe my homage to him completely against all persons in good faith and without deceit."
So swears the Knights of the Uber Lord, King Trump the Greedy and Sleazy.
So swears the Knights of the Uber Lord, King Trump the Greedy and Sleazy.
6
So here's the question: Why did they do it? There had to be a reason. Perhaps they have come gradually to realize that the only way they can keep the President from meddling in their affairs is to flatter him.
3
Embarrassing to watch people kissing up to Trump. Looked like a prayer before Thanksgiving dinner with relatives at the table with their patriarch at the head of the table, who is getting what in his will. His cabinet is lame and weak.
3
I just vomited a little in my mouth. I know this communal pathology all too well. I grew up in a wildly narcissistic household. Praising my father and trying to stay on his good side was a smart survival strategy as a kid. Had to be done. Not so healthy for us individual family members, or as a family. Basically, the same kind of insanity is going down now with DJT, his cabinet, the Republican Party, and way too many Americans. It's sick, sick stuff and doesn't end well.
12
Nobody can do a parody better than the president himself. I laughed... and then I felt totally dismayed; I didn't know there were so many grovelers in the cabinet.
8
I have been in the same situation as these cabinet officers found themselves, in my case in an academic institution. When my turn to speak came, I simply said, "I enjoy my job." There was a silence, during which it seemed I was expected to say more. I didn't. After a bit our "dear leader" moved on to the next person. It seems that my reply turned a switch, before which people had been sycophantic and gushing, after which they weren't. The "dear leader" was in a squabble with upper administration, and was seeking support from us. Eventually, the squabble was resolved, not in his favor.
5
In this brief and bizarre event, some of Trump's bad taste and sleaziness rubbed off on each one of these minions.
Will Mr Mattis get fired for not genuflecting on cue? Even he must be embarrassed simply for being in the room for this charade.
Will Mr Mattis get fired for not genuflecting on cue? Even he must be embarrassed simply for being in the room for this charade.
13
I couldn't even watch the entire video. I almost lost my lunch.
7
Wow, before this I was really disgusted by the president, but this praise really sent my mind reeling. I now understand that Mr Trump's comment on the weather on his inauguration really was a proof that he is the second coming of Jesus. Who would have thought? Who is Roosevelt in comparison? The guy actually beats Jesus and all apostles in sainthood and benevolence. Thank you Donald! 150 percent of the universe just love you! If not more!
7
New job title for everyone who works for Trump -- The Blessed.
The Blessed Reince Priebus showed us how.
The Blessed Reince Priebus showed us how.
4
This outpouring of praise for president Trump reminds me something very similar going on during Communist Party congresses and other party events in Soviet Union under Joseph Stalin. There is however a huge difference: under Stalin someone who would withhold his adulation of the Great Leader would risk being sent to a labor camp in Siberia (or worse), whereas these cabinet members are crawling on their knees and kissing up just for the sake of maintaining their positions. Shame.
4
Sickening. Reminds me of Stalin's cronies praising him in meetings of the Central Committee.
Have they no shame.
Have they no shame.
4
What a blatant example of sucking up by people ( some maybe not) who are so blind to their devotion to the dictator wannabe that they spout worshipful platitudes instead of doing their jobs. These " cabinet" members are so busy propping up tRump's ego that they are entirely missing the point of what they're supposed to be doing. But with tRump's self-serving introduction of patting himself on the back, I suppose that they saw the handwriting on the wall and followed the script. I learned that tRump was on track to be the best president ever by what he has already " accomplished ". Who knew?
3
So let's take it all in.
Trump said in a Q&A with the press in the Rose-garden the other day that he would never, I repeat, never ask anybody for their loyalty. That is why we should believe him and not FBI director Comey, Trump declares.
Yet, like a hostage video, that is exactly what we saw with his gutless, spineless, cabinet officials.
It was revolting.
Trump said in a Q&A with the press in the Rose-garden the other day that he would never, I repeat, never ask anybody for their loyalty. That is why we should believe him and not FBI director Comey, Trump declares.
Yet, like a hostage video, that is exactly what we saw with his gutless, spineless, cabinet officials.
It was revolting.
10
In this photo, we already know who the villain is. Big narcissistic smile after everyone got to their knees and vowed to the king of torment. The others in the photo aren't smiling and some even look unhappy. They are just puppets on display for the world to laugh at.
6
I've always wondered if an animal could be taught to talk. Now I know it only takes half an animal, the rear end of a horse; i.e. any member of the cabinet.
What I really want to know is who primed them for this weird performance, and how.
What I really want to know is who primed them for this weird performance, and how.
5
So glad it was taped. Who'd believe it otherwise?
12
It seems like every day, Donald Trump finds a new way to ensure his place in American history . . . as the most dangerous, dishonest and incompetent president of all. Hopefully, no future president will challenge him for that position at the bottom.
3
Of course DT felt "vindicated." Fox and Friends describes his entire administration and constituency.
I clicked the link expecting a good laugh, but instead felt sick and dizzy. What on earth is going on? This is sick and ridiculous. How low can these sycophants go? I always think that the Trumps cannot shock me anymore and then there is always something new. Unbelievable.
6
Unfortunately, a missed opportunity to reenact "Julius Caesar". What, no thespians in the cabinet?
This nauseating display of feet-kissing....one doesn't know how to think of it.
I've tried seeing it through a Shakespearean lens, but the Bard was too astute to believe that reasonable adults would behave in this way. .
I found this cabinet love-fest to be truly terrifying.
NOT my president
I've tried seeing it through a Shakespearean lens, but the Bard was too astute to believe that reasonable adults would behave in this way. .
I found this cabinet love-fest to be truly terrifying.
NOT my president
What is the collective noun for the Cabinet? Are they more like mosquitoes or more like ravens? Is it a scourge of sycophants or a conspiracy?
With the exception of Mattis that meeting was as funny as SNL and all the late night hosts put together. Which fantasy island are they living on. How can they
live with themselves after that ridiculous exhibition. How dare "t" compare himself wth FDR......."t" hasn't accomplished one thing since he's been in office and only has a 36% approval rating. He acts like a CEO taking weekends off to go golfing. And to the cabinet I say, "get a life".
live with themselves after that ridiculous exhibition. How dare "t" compare himself wth FDR......."t" hasn't accomplished one thing since he's been in office and only has a 36% approval rating. He acts like a CEO taking weekends off to go golfing. And to the cabinet I say, "get a life".
3
While similar fawning praise offered to Kim Jong Un and even Caligula by their respective "admirers" might be excused because of the risk of death, the Cabinet has no such excuse. This is a democratic republic, not a petty dicta-
Actually, perhaps I'm wrong about that last part.
Actually, perhaps I'm wrong about that last part.
1
I wanted to throw up when I saw the clip of the cabinet members, taking their turn praising one of the most intellectually, emotionally and morally challenged leader on the planet.
In so doing, the cabinet members, most of them quite intelligent and super wealthy, lost their last ounce self-respect, pride and moral courage. Either that or they were all part of Trump's infamous pee-tape orgy and Putin holds the copies of it.
Disgusting show that people would expect to see in C-grade Hollywood movies depicting ancient Roman court or worse ....
In so doing, the cabinet members, most of them quite intelligent and super wealthy, lost their last ounce self-respect, pride and moral courage. Either that or they were all part of Trump's infamous pee-tape orgy and Putin holds the copies of it.
Disgusting show that people would expect to see in C-grade Hollywood movies depicting ancient Roman court or worse ....
1
Rex Tillerson looks like he's about to cough up a furball. President Trump must have his mama chained up in a shed somewhere to make him submit to such a humiliating display.
Kudos to General Mattis for turning the situation into an opportunity to praise the DoD employees and military personnel. I think you can detect a shadow of annoyance pass over the President's face as General Mattis is speaking.
Kudos to General Mattis for turning the situation into an opportunity to praise the DoD employees and military personnel. I think you can detect a shadow of annoyance pass over the President's face as General Mattis is speaking.
How very pathetic that Donald needs adulation! But he is a narcissist! Equally pathetic that his staff would worship at his feet! Deplorable.
2
I pledge my allegiance to the President of the United States of America, and to the Republicans for which He stands, one Nation under Him, divisible, with liberty and justice for all who voted for him. Praise be to Him and may He bless America. :) Ahim.
The President is my shepherd; I shall not want.
The President is my shepherd; I shall not want.
1
If you ever wondered about Trump's unquenchable need for approval, do not.
His demand for hero worship from his cabinet was the most disturbing act of many from our paranoid President. There is no personal strength in the man. Constant approval is his ruler.
His demand for hero worship from his cabinet was the most disturbing act of many from our paranoid President. There is no personal strength in the man. Constant approval is his ruler.
4
you talk about a sad group of individuals surrounding the boss. his smile speaks volumes and the eyes deviating from the lens are obvious. proud americans all. Stan Frieberg could not have written anything sillier. Or better yet William Gaines.
Number 45 praised? Praised for WHAT? His only possible accomplishment do date is to literally destroy this nation's leading position in the world. Thanks to #45, our longest and strongest allies **Want Nothing to Do with Us.** Is that worthy of praise? The man has recently demonstrated little knowledge of the rest of the world - and does not want to know. That 'smirk' on his face says a lot. Do you see any other smiles around that table? Most of the others present appear to have swallowed a lemon.
4
What's next -- requiring officials to bow before Trump?? Please citizens and cowardly politicians -- we must get this grifter clown out of office!
1
He is sicker than many have thought. Vomit.
It is this slave's blessing and honor to serve you, master. Your every wish is my command, and I pledge allegiance to you, as my lord and master. Your humble servant. LOL!
Reminds of the eunuchs depicted in the Chinese imperial dynasty movies, prostrating themselves in front of the emperor, and their sugary words.
As Lao Tzu observed, and I paraphrase: words that are pleasing to the ear may not be the truth. but the truth is often unpleasant to hear.
I have always said, Trump presents the epitome of The Emperor Hath No Clothes Syndrome--and this is so confirmed.
That these people can say so without puking attests to them.
It is this slave's blessing and honor to serve you, master. Your every wish is my command, and I pledge allegiance to you, as my lord and master. Your humble servant. LOL!
Reminds of the eunuchs depicted in the Chinese imperial dynasty movies, prostrating themselves in front of the emperor, and their sugary words.
As Lao Tzu observed, and I paraphrase: words that are pleasing to the ear may not be the truth. but the truth is often unpleasant to hear.
I have always said, Trump presents the epitome of The Emperor Hath No Clothes Syndrome--and this is so confirmed.
That these people can say so without puking attests to them.
Please keep the clown performing for another year or two. Our self-inflicted political mess in the U.K. will be painful to endure in that time so watching your self-inflicted disaster of a President is providing some comical light relief this side of the pond. And no he is not welcome to visit. :-)
4
Reince Prebus almost produced a great chorus:
"Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heav'nly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost."
Frightening.
"Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heav'nly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost."
Frightening.
1
Trump I (the first) is like some ancienne regime despot, and his cabinet is a group of terrified courtiers. They are eager flatterers, but we all know that the emperor has no clothes (although if that were literally true Trump would become even more repulsive. Have these people no shame at all? Except for Mattis and Tillerson, the are all lick-spittles.
Fertile material for mental health professionals
2
trump's picture shows him holding up his middle finger to the American public-- exactly what we have come to expect from our gaslighter, propagandist in chief. No one is smiling except putin. It will not be long now before our government looks exactly like Russia's. Any opposition will be silenced. trump takes orders exceptionally well.
All the Drumpf needs is a fiddle so that he can fiddle while Rome (the US) burns...
Indeed a "record-setting pace". P-man is the greatest. Nobody ever got together so many jerks in such a short time.
1
In the immediate post-Katrina era, let's recall, we cringed at George W. Bush's "Heckuva job, Brownie!" It became a shorthand for the piling political imbroglios on the right - grandstanding, unreasonably foreshortened timetables of accomplishment, premature assessment of success based on an unreasonably small (or hand-picked, or blindered) sample.
Which of these effusive, Animal Farm-esque statements by at-risk cabinet heads is destined to follow? I suppose it depends on how ironic the verbiage is later. Will the one who made sure to gush about the blessing of being in this Drumpfster-fire of a cabinet have an embarrassing incident "religiously speaking in tongues" disclosing what he knows about Russia? Oh, please, let it be so. (And, if you are reading, that's a Hail Mary way to do it and not get blamed for leaking...)
Which of these effusive, Animal Farm-esque statements by at-risk cabinet heads is destined to follow? I suppose it depends on how ironic the verbiage is later. Will the one who made sure to gush about the blessing of being in this Drumpfster-fire of a cabinet have an embarrassing incident "religiously speaking in tongues" disclosing what he knows about Russia? Oh, please, let it be so. (And, if you are reading, that's a Hail Mary way to do it and not get blamed for leaking...)
"Dear Leader Kim Jong Trump. Thank you for allowing us to bask in the radiance of your visage, a glowing testament of your dedication to golf and your admirable success in making America Great Again. We are blessed by your creation of millions of jobs, reopening closed coal mines, reducing our taxes, getting rid of all those pesky environmental protections, giving us wonderful health care, bringing peace to the Middle East, making those NATO cheapskates pay for our protection, building a wall that will keep those Mexican freeloaders from stealing our farm jobs and sending Dennis Rodman as our ambassador to North Korea. You are quite right in severing ties with South Korea since they have been selling far too many cars in our country and didn't seem very grateful for that anti-missle system you so generously gave them. Your amazing perspicacity in foreign policy has rid our State Department of its tiresome preoccupation with human rights and realigned our country with our real friends in Egypt, Turkey, the Philippines and Saudi Arabia. No matter what Gen. Mattis says (you really should punish him for disloyalty) The U.S. Southern Command didn't really need that forward base in Qatar since your good friend Vladimir Putin will take care of the ISIS problem in Syria. Should you care to fire any of us, we will of course regard it as the greatest privilege to be humiliated by one so wise." Signed Reince Priebus and the rest of the cabinet (Except that disloyal general).
7
Other administrations thought this meeting odd?
Oh my, it was bloody pathetic!... to actually witness grown men-- seemingly mature--reduce their own stature by contributing to this chain of sycophants. Ugh, I never seen such sad behavior in one room in all my long life. And with all the money sitting in that room...? Wow, I guess their money could not hide their lack of personal courage. There was not one real man among them--they were, all of them, disgusting.
Did they really think Americans would not see through this silly charade? Shame on the whole room. That is not how American statesmen behave. They've all just shown themselves now to be nothing but small , weak and pathetic little boys. Creepy.
Oh my, it was bloody pathetic!... to actually witness grown men-- seemingly mature--reduce their own stature by contributing to this chain of sycophants. Ugh, I never seen such sad behavior in one room in all my long life. And with all the money sitting in that room...? Wow, I guess their money could not hide their lack of personal courage. There was not one real man among them--they were, all of them, disgusting.
Did they really think Americans would not see through this silly charade? Shame on the whole room. That is not how American statesmen behave. They've all just shown themselves now to be nothing but small , weak and pathetic little boys. Creepy.
4
King Babyman and the Sycophants of the Oblong Table. This isn't Camelot. This isn't a Shining City on a hill. This is a dank and slimy hole in the ground getting deeper, danker and more disgusting by the day.
Couldn't just one of them summon the courage to tell him "This is wrong"?
Couldn't just one of them summon the courage to tell him "This is wrong"?
1
"Dear Leader Kim Jong Trump, I grovel in gratitude for your benefice in allowing me to bask in the radiance of your leadership and feel especially blessed to work for your agenda -- even if it has not accomplished a single piece of legislation and consists entirely of executive orders and memos exalted in grandiose signing ceremonies but blocked by the courts or awaiting Congressional approval before they can become law. Should you be so kind as to do me the honor of firing me, I shall continue to worship you from afar because any humiliation dished out by your luminous presence would be a just reward for my sycophancy." Signed: Reince Prebus and every member of the Cabinet except Gen. James Mattis.
1
Why is our beloved president flipping the bird at the photographer. It's the same sly move he gave to the Italian official on his exhausted European visit. He's such a class act.
1
All of this obligatory sycophant flattery Is comparable to what North Korea's leader Kim Jong-Un requires from his subordinates. In this case dessenters won't be physically assasinated, but Mr. Trump would attempt to assasinate their character in one of his late night Tweet tirades.
1
This a perfect example of government top management prostituting themselves for the mighty dollar and power. I look forward to hear their Grand Jury and Senate testimonies when the Trump administration falls. The world, including Russia is having great laugh.
1
As long as we can see some of the workongs of this administration, the better for the country. The Trumpcare bill is in closed sessions in the senate. Where is the sunshine law? Please Trump, show us more of the inside so that we can assess your accomplishments. And all those with cameras, lets see Trump in NJ, in Fl, and speaking off the cuff. It is important that we miss as little as possible. Sunshine could be the disinfectant.
1
Never seen so much "Virginia Quickstep" flow from the mouths of so few. I needed a barfbag at close hand in order to sit through the whole thing.
1
I grew up in Argentina decades ago. I have seen first hand how the Peronist party members act with the "Leader du Jour" when in front of the cameras.
It never crossed my mind that I would ever see a similar scene playing at the White House. The servile attitude of grown man (and the occasional token woman in the cabinet) would be almost comical, except that it is real, and it is happening here, in the United States of America.
What's next? "In Trump We Trust" printed in our currency?
It never crossed my mind that I would ever see a similar scene playing at the White House. The servile attitude of grown man (and the occasional token woman in the cabinet) would be almost comical, except that it is real, and it is happening here, in the United States of America.
What's next? "In Trump We Trust" printed in our currency?
2
Just when you thought things couldn't possibly get any worse, with Trump they invariably do.
As other commenters have already said, this was the most disgusting display of callow obsequiousness we have ever witnessed in American government. Amazing that Trump didn't have his cabinet members bow down or crawl to him on their hands and knees before giving their tribute to his greatness. Why, if he weren't a germaphobe, he could have had them kiss his ring too. Wouldn't that be a spectacle!
Of course, if you look at the expressions on the faces of Tillerson and Wilbur Ross, they don't look too happy. Could it be that they are slowly beginning to regret selling their souls for a seat at the table?
Whatever their feelings: This so-called "cabinet meeting" settles it once and for all -- America has now truly become the laughingstock of the world.
As other commenters have already said, this was the most disgusting display of callow obsequiousness we have ever witnessed in American government. Amazing that Trump didn't have his cabinet members bow down or crawl to him on their hands and knees before giving their tribute to his greatness. Why, if he weren't a germaphobe, he could have had them kiss his ring too. Wouldn't that be a spectacle!
Of course, if you look at the expressions on the faces of Tillerson and Wilbur Ross, they don't look too happy. Could it be that they are slowly beginning to regret selling their souls for a seat at the table?
Whatever their feelings: This so-called "cabinet meeting" settles it once and for all -- America has now truly become the laughingstock of the world.
3
What has he done? You really should list all of the executive orders that he has signed. And Gorsuch. And withdrawing from TPP and the Paris Accords.
He may have a point. You really should make it clear how much damage he has managed to do.
The Russia thing is a distraction, totally needs to be pursued and a symptom of a corrupting influence that may not be reversible in our lifetimes.
He may have a point. You really should make it clear how much damage he has managed to do.
The Russia thing is a distraction, totally needs to be pursued and a symptom of a corrupting influence that may not be reversible in our lifetimes.
So Trump thinks he is god, and his cabinet has to fall in line and agree. I wonder what the Pope would say to this. Did all the cabinet members have to agree to this before they were appointed? Wouldn't that be a violation of the Constitution?
The more one thinks about this and/or reviews the video, the more frightening it becomes. Add that to the latest statistic that about 35% of those polled thought that Trump was doing a good job. Very scary.
It was an appallingly disgusting performance, to watch the Vice President and Cabinet Secretaries, one after the other, act like toadying sycophants with their little loyalty bleats. And what was worse was the simpering smirk on our malignantly narcissistic Fake President's puss.
This does not bode well for the well-being of a government of the people, by the people and for the people. Rather, it suggests that we're seeing a government of the privileged, by the privileged and for the privileged.
This does not bode well for the well-being of a government of the people, by the people and for the people. Rather, it suggests that we're seeing a government of the privileged, by the privileged and for the privileged.
107
Until I saw the tape of this on TV, I would never have believed that lying is a contagious disease - cabinet members can catch it from the president.
13
Yeah, good thing that Obama's lemmings were never scripted...never endorsed his lies with scripted lies...right genius?
Question: how do you know when a right wing Trumpite has lost an argument or has nothing usefull to say?
Answer: they bring up Obama.
Answer: they bring up Obama.
4
HERE'S MY TAKE ON THE "BLESSED" MEETING: http://cathydonelson.blogspot.com/2017/06/an-alabama-prayer.html
4
Were it not for the fact that all his cabinet is present in nauseating sycophantic form, cannot someone, please, demand a mental competency test? It really is long overdue for # 45, and seems to also extend to his so-called cabinet.
17
Madness
16
Other than the fact that they are on the government payroll, and can aid and abet the destructive policies being pushed by this president as well as Congressional Republicans, what makes these guys any different than the Ohio and Pennsylvania voters interviewed after the Comey testimony? For reasons no thinking adult can fathom, there is still a core group of Americans who feel "blessed" to have such a "great leader". That's what should scare us all.
19
I've seen better performances at a high school musical filled with tone-deaf understudies accompanied by a drunk band. Maybe at the next production - i mean meeting - the cabinet members could express their praise through rap and hip-hop dance moves. It would be only slightly less ridiculous and humiliating for them.
8
It seems a reasonable explanation for this circus-freak act can be made by dividing the room in two:
1) Political dunces like Rex Tillerson, whose long career at Exxon seems to have only groomed him to be a company/yes man.
2) The conniving professional Republican politicians, like Pruitt and Priebus, who know that it forwards the hard-right agenda of the Republican Party to keep Trump happy and in a "signing" mood, while also creating spectacles like this that keep the spotlight off those in Congress toiling in obscurity in service of the 1%.
1) Political dunces like Rex Tillerson, whose long career at Exxon seems to have only groomed him to be a company/yes man.
2) The conniving professional Republican politicians, like Pruitt and Priebus, who know that it forwards the hard-right agenda of the Republican Party to keep Trump happy and in a "signing" mood, while also creating spectacles like this that keep the spotlight off those in Congress toiling in obscurity in service of the 1%.
7
They have all figured out how to play Trump (and keep their jobs). Although they had to sacrifice their self-respect and integrity to do it. I have much more respect for James Comey now as he refused, knowing those things are never negotiable. And, Trump was apparently reading from a piece of paper. Is this proof he can read?
15
Shame on these people. They are all successful and accomplished individuals. Why in the world would they succumb to this nonsense? Why, in fact, did they even accept these positions? All are wealthier that most people could ever dream of being. So, what's in it for them? What are they getting out of lowering themselves to this level?
17
We voters will not forget each and every one of these cabinet appointees names and the states from which each comes. Every one of them will go down in the history books as the craven sycophants they are. Disgusting! Sad!
8
What a joke. Trump appoints people who are syncophants and his whole persona is about people who praise him. Not news he is nothing more than a narcissist and the whole scene was surreal.
3
Pathetic and...scary. If it wasn't so pathetic. Even his base must see through this. Oh wait, that's right, they don't care.
8
What a revolting display of filial piety.
Is there any footage of another first cabinet meeting from another administration? I'd like a comparison or two.
Is there any footage of another first cabinet meeting from another administration? I'd like a comparison or two.
5
Go on Youtube and search President Obama Holds a Cabinet Meeting Feb 3, 2015 - you'll miss former President Obama even more if you do.
I don't think I've ever listened to a more sickening display of ego-massaging this side of North Korea and the paeans to "Dear Leader." How can there be anyone out there who does not believe this president has, at best, only one oar in the water?
9
King Lear much?
6
What a sickening bunch of people. This country is in big trouble.
6
This was shameful. Just shameful.
7
All that was missing from this exercise was the autocrat's costume of gold braid and epaulets.
8
Ever since Trump replaced the Washington swamp with his own cesspool, I wondered what the inhabitants of that cesspool would look like. Now I know.
7
Thank you, thank you thank you...Shining Star of Trump Tower, Guiding Sun Ray, Dear Leader, Great Leader, Respected Leader, Brilliant Leader, Sun of Life, The Great Sun of Life, Great Man Who Descended From Heaven, Invicible And Ever-Triumphant General and Highest Incarnation of the Revolutionary Comradely Love.
7
Straight from North Korea. Dear Leader must be appeased. What a loathsome, motley crew. You truly deserve your fate.
5
Welcome to the Kowtow Cabinet, with its creepy Dear Leader overtones. I do fear for General Mattis, who refuses to follow the lead of the other sycophants.
3
Trump is delusional.
He has OD'd on narcissism.
He has OD'd on narcissism.
4
This video was hysterical!!!!! I thought Pence was going to slip under the table to show his appreciation. What a lack of pride these folks have.
5
Delusional.
5
I have to admit, making them all kiss his ring does seem a bit much.
6
Stalin much?
3
I am not sure that Stalin was ever this ridiculous. He was, actually, trying to save the Soviet Union from the Nazis, even if he was horribly brutal. Trump isn't trying to do anything good for the American people. Trump is just trying to further enrich some of his friends by whatever means. If I had to choose between the two, at this point I would choose Stalin. Stalin was trying to preserve his country. Trump is deliberately trying to destroy America. Pay attention, people.
1
Trump is very sick but don't even joke about Stalin. (Although, Trump would try to be Stalin if he could get away with it.)
I keep thinking soon the time will come when even the least critical of supporters will shed support like dandruff. I'm amazed at how deeply trump has burrowed like a tick into these people. Still I hope:
No more the basket of deplorable sycophants
Can cynically defend his ignorant rants.
Away the Spineless Senators slink
Their obsequious slime leaves its stink.
And soon devoid of his quislings’ fawn
America can seek a better dawn.
This lesion heals, but with great pain
To make America Great again.
No more the basket of deplorable sycophants
Can cynically defend his ignorant rants.
Away the Spineless Senators slink
Their obsequious slime leaves its stink.
And soon devoid of his quislings’ fawn
America can seek a better dawn.
This lesion heals, but with great pain
To make America Great again.
1
"Donald Trump is the kindest, bravest, warmest, most wonderful human being I've ever known in my life." to paraphrase multiple characters in "The Manchurian Candidate," 1962.
What must the former CEO of ExxonMobil, and our former generals, who have lead thousands, be thinking? Will they all turn into Scott Pruitt and Reince Priebus just to stay in the cabinet? Have some integrity.
What must the former CEO of ExxonMobil, and our former generals, who have lead thousands, be thinking? Will they all turn into Scott Pruitt and Reince Priebus just to stay in the cabinet? Have some integrity.
3
the emperor has no clothes, and his cabinet is gladly parading him
3
This is like a painting by Goya. A bloated vulture surrounded by his sparkling retinue.
5
This just in:
The US envoy to Qatar has resigned. I guess he didn't get the memo.
http://thehill.com/homenews/administration/337556-us-ambassador-to-qatar...
The US envoy to Qatar has resigned. I guess he didn't get the memo.
http://thehill.com/homenews/administration/337556-us-ambassador-to-qatar...
There is no successful product...Our Dear Leader should understand this, given his marketing and stiffing background. The only thing he has accomplished is installing a tainted Supreme Court Justice, whose nomination was stolen from the previous President.
1
From The Gulag Archipelago by Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn:
"At the conclusion of the conference, a tribute to Comrade Stalin was called for. ... For three minutes, four minutes, five minutes, the stormy applause, rising to an ovation, continued. ... who would dare to be the first to stop?
... after eleven minutes, the director of the paper factory assumed a businesslike expression and sat down in his seat. And, oh, a miracle took place! Where had the universal, uninhibited, indescribable enthusiasm gone? To a man, everyone else stopped dead and sat down. They had been saved!
... That same night the factory director was arrested. ... after he had signed Form 206, the final document of the interrogation, his interrogator reminded him:
“Don’t ever be the first to stop applauding.”
"At the conclusion of the conference, a tribute to Comrade Stalin was called for. ... For three minutes, four minutes, five minutes, the stormy applause, rising to an ovation, continued. ... who would dare to be the first to stop?
... after eleven minutes, the director of the paper factory assumed a businesslike expression and sat down in his seat. And, oh, a miracle took place! Where had the universal, uninhibited, indescribable enthusiasm gone? To a man, everyone else stopped dead and sat down. They had been saved!
... That same night the factory director was arrested. ... after he had signed Form 206, the final document of the interrogation, his interrogator reminded him:
“Don’t ever be the first to stop applauding.”
1
What a sychophantic spectacle. Disgusting. Reminds me of Tacitus' description of Roman Senators stumbling over themselves to glorify and praise Nero.
6
Never before have so many people fawned over such a little man since WWII.
11
Hail to his Royal Highness, King Trump! Praise be to The Great And Good Kingdom of America, the Greatest Ever!
Out of view of the cameras are the shock collars and the bag of dog treats!
4
Ever noticed that no matter how craven, senseless or appalling the matter at hand in the latest Trump report, there's always a smattering of True Believers commenting their approval and support?
Not this time. It's simply too ghastly to defend on any level.
Perhaps it's because of the shameful levels of obsequiousness in this roomful of Gonerils and Regans.
Not this time. It's simply too ghastly to defend on any level.
Perhaps it's because of the shameful levels of obsequiousness in this roomful of Gonerils and Regans.
1
I'll bet there was a line at the bathroom after this meeting so people could throw up.
Oh well, when you choose to lie with dogs, you get fleas.
Oh well, when you choose to lie with dogs, you get fleas.
3
Everyone of those cabinet members except Gen. Mattis should take a long look in the mirror tonight and ask themselves if they have a shred of dignity left.
5
I have never been more ashamed. Or disgusted. And he is flipping us off in the photo. This is what he thinks of us.
5
I don't see how anyone could not have seen this before, but this guy is just plain nuts, bonkers, gaga, looney. He makes Nero look like a refined scholar and will probably replace Mueller with a horse.
6
What a disgusting display!
1
What president has ever started a cabinet meeting by "going around the room" as though it were the first day of sixth grade? Only Trump, who I now believe truly lives in a world entirely inside his own mind, and who literally performs his job on his standing television studio set, formerly known as the White House.
The truly sad and dismaying part of this is that all of those mostlies (white, billionaire, male) fell in line and did everything but "bend the knee". Mattis might have had his moment of near-normalcy in not thanking Trump but in correctly proclaiming his pride in leading America's military, but that he is still there at all sends a very different message.
We live in the curse of interesting times.
The truly sad and dismaying part of this is that all of those mostlies (white, billionaire, male) fell in line and did everything but "bend the knee". Mattis might have had his moment of near-normalcy in not thanking Trump but in correctly proclaiming his pride in leading America's military, but that he is still there at all sends a very different message.
We live in the curse of interesting times.
5
When one of NYT writers called Mr. Trump "a thin-pot despot", many commented that the NYT has gone too far. I was sympathetic to that view since, until then, when I was hearing "a tin-pot despot", what came to my mind were individuals like Mugabe of Zimbabwe or Gaddafi of Libya; not the president of the USA.
But, examining how Mr. Trump has behaved and what he has said (or not said) since his inauguration, I now grudgingly concur with that NYT writer. Indeed, if it walks like a duck, swims like a duck, and quacks like a duck, then it must be a duck.
And now one can legitimately add to that list: if he is being surrounded by a bunch of spineless sycophants - who were supposed to be "the grown-ups in the room" - and they shamelessly shower him with praises, and he keeps that loopy smile on his face, then he must be a tin-pot despot.
But, examining how Mr. Trump has behaved and what he has said (or not said) since his inauguration, I now grudgingly concur with that NYT writer. Indeed, if it walks like a duck, swims like a duck, and quacks like a duck, then it must be a duck.
And now one can legitimately add to that list: if he is being surrounded by a bunch of spineless sycophants - who were supposed to be "the grown-ups in the room" - and they shamelessly shower him with praises, and he keeps that loopy smile on his face, then he must be a tin-pot despot.
4
priceless!! we had a gov't like this and it took 4years full of all kinds of disasters and 5% of approval rating to push them out. US is in long haul..
1
Simply ridiculous!!---serving someone's ego, rather than the American people and the agencies they head. The swamp is now overflowing!!!!
106
Is this North Korea or what?
24
I must be older than I think. I must have reached my second childhood. All I want to do these days is proclaim that the emperor has no clothes.
16
"Even the President of the United States must sometimes have to stand naked."
-- Bob Dylan
-- Bob Dylan
While reading this article, I remembered that infamous photo of Mitt Romney on a dinner date with Trump. Mitt's shame is apparent in the embarrassed smile he gives the camera, while Trump's face, full of brazen glee and power, gave the appearance of the Devil sealing the deal for another's soul.
Romney apparently held strong, however, which is why he was passed over for the position, as did Comey and Bharara, which is why they were fired, so those who won their Cabinet positions knew exactly what Trump expected when giving them a chance to tell a little bit about themselves in front of the cameras. Trump didn't actually want to hear the names of Perry's cowboy boots, or have Carson show off with a brilliant anecdote, because that would've been about someone other than himself. In Trump's mind, it's Trump World 24/7.
Romney apparently held strong, however, which is why he was passed over for the position, as did Comey and Bharara, which is why they were fired, so those who won their Cabinet positions knew exactly what Trump expected when giving them a chance to tell a little bit about themselves in front of the cameras. Trump didn't actually want to hear the names of Perry's cowboy boots, or have Carson show off with a brilliant anecdote, because that would've been about someone other than himself. In Trump's mind, it's Trump World 24/7.
17
I also think Trump is a predator of both men and women. In some photos, he likes to get very, very close to some people, to make them uncomfortable on
purpose. I think Comey picked up on that and tried to keep his distance. I also think, on the Europe trip, that Macron realized that, and that is why Macron mangled his hand. Macron has good instincts.
purpose. I think Comey picked up on that and tried to keep his distance. I also think, on the Europe trip, that Macron realized that, and that is why Macron mangled his hand. Macron has good instincts.
1
Simple question:
Who - precisely - is buying this?
Seriously - who is this aimed at? Anyone with an IQ above freezing sees it for what it is.
The word 'travesty' doesn't even start to encompass this....
NOT my president
Who - precisely - is buying this?
Seriously - who is this aimed at? Anyone with an IQ above freezing sees it for what it is.
The word 'travesty' doesn't even start to encompass this....
NOT my president
27
This shows how sick our government is. It is shocking!
16
This sounded straight out of North Korea, where no one can criticize Dear Leader and must extol the Dear Leader's every attribute. Gross, and totally not befitting of a Democracy.
14
Based on the facial expressions in the photo it looks like they are all overjoyed with their spots! Pathetic version of reality tv!
8
One photo speaks a thousand words, Only one with a cynical smirk is the POTUS', the rest clearly show the shame of being there and being "psychologically" forced to be there.... they are all enduring the transfer on to being STOCKHOLM SYNDROME results.
I apologize for the smugness, but boy! do I feel good to be a Canadian. How, when and where did the USA sink so low? The founding fathers must be spinning in their graves at turbo speed. Please, please do something about this man and his administration. The whole world is at risk, not just your country.
25
Right now - Kind of wishing I were (a Canadian) too. I am mortified - it's a shame our politicians aren't capable of shame.
3
If we had a parliamentary system as you have, Trump would have gotten a vote of no confidence long ago.
Poor deluded Framers, thinking we could avoid having political parties.
Poor deluded Framers, thinking we could avoid having political parties.
1
how can you apply for canadian citizenship
2
At least the "Last Supper" comprised honorable people.
7
Wouldn't is be so laughable if indeed this was their "Last Supper"... However as far as trump is concerned, he is so tough and resilient, his evil so strong and well entrenched he will continue to "bob-up" and wear us thin until no more. Despicable, repugnant scene at best.
When did a Republican lawmaker ever possess an ounce of self-respect? Some are just better faking it than others.
14
NYT “The greatest privilege of my life is to serve as vice president to the president who’s keeping his word to the American people,” Mike Pence said, starting things off."
The epic ego struggle Trump versus Putin seems to show a winner.
In Moscow, it is rumored Putin is not a happy camper with PM Dmitry Medvedev. In years of cabinet meetings, the now PM never praised Putin with such genuine words of admiration as the ones used by Mike Pence.
The epic ego struggle Trump versus Putin seems to show a winner.
In Moscow, it is rumored Putin is not a happy camper with PM Dmitry Medvedev. In years of cabinet meetings, the now PM never praised Putin with such genuine words of admiration as the ones used by Mike Pence.
6
Wish Republicans would stop supporting them. This cabinet meeting proves beyond all doubt that everyone there is terrified. Something or someone has a terrifying hold on them. They each keep trying to get out by making decisions to get themselves out of the threat but Republicans keep backing them. For heavens sake Republicans "Wake Up' Your government is under attack and too terrified to come out, so stop supporting them and help them get out of the threat each one of them is so terrified of.
4
You also have to wake up and stop hoping that the GOP leaders will exercise good judgment.
Have you no shame, Mr. President? Have you no sense of common decency?! Uh, apparently not. Sad. Really sad.
14
We've literally elected King Lear.
10
Lady Melania.....
All this from a man who absolutely cannot show his face in public. He would be jeered to the hilt if he was to go to any event that is not completely peppered with more lackeys like this pathetic group of people in his cabinet.
11
And we're not supposed to question this man's mental health?
21
For the for the life of me I cannot understand why these rich, successful men behaved in this manner. They don't need the job for the money alone it just may be the power trip they are on not realizing how stupid they will look in retrospect.
16
The scripted "all praise King Trump" cabinet meeting was worthy of North Korea. The BOTUS (Bully Of The United States) had all his sycophants spout ridiculous outright lies but Trump, like George Costanza, belives lies to be truth. The Idiocracy survives.
7
Thank you, Secretary Mattis, for holding that line.
The rest of you disgust me.
The rest of you disgust me.
8
That's pitiful, every way you can look at it.
5
What a disgusting and embarrassing display of a very insecure man's narcissism. Shame on those who allowed themselves to be manipulated in such a degrading manner, and thank you Secretary Mattis, for not allowing yourself to become part of this dog and pony show. I'm sure Trump expected us to be awestruck by all this adulation, but all it did was embarrass us as a country and make him look even more like the self-centered buffoon he is.
12
The Emperor's tailors fitting him for his new clothes.
6
One might expect a display such as this in Stalin's Soviet Union but never ever in America. Can you imagine this kind of behavior in one of Rex Tillerson's executive staff or board meeting at ExxonMobil?
Oh Lordy what a spectacle and some of those folks were semi serious. SNL will have a field day with this one.
Oh Lordy what a spectacle and some of those folks were semi serious. SNL will have a field day with this one.
6
Next DT will require all to address him as "Dear Leader"
5
You think it can't get any worse, then...it does.
That he would feel the need to humiliate them, to force them to lie and to grovel...
That they would allow themselves to be humiliated, and be willing to lie and to grovel...
Astonishing. Grotesque.
That he would feel the need to humiliate them, to force them to lie and to grovel...
That they would allow themselves to be humiliated, and be willing to lie and to grovel...
Astonishing. Grotesque.
8
His cabinet was a captive audience, and their hands were tied. More theater from the Don.
4
New Mexico is hereby nauseated.
4
This video of Trump with his supplicants is truly the most revolting display of sycophancy I have ever seen and it beggars belief that so many men and women can, on the record, so easily appear to jettison their self-respect.
Am I alone in seeing this as one of the most uncomfortable events ever recorded in a political arena ? What has happened to what was once the proudest democracy on earth ?
Am I alone in seeing this as one of the most uncomfortable events ever recorded in a political arena ? What has happened to what was once the proudest democracy on earth ?
76
SAD!
1
You are far from alone, Mr. West.
Well said. It is disgusting, embarrassing and shameful.
1
This reminded me of the Queen of Hearts and was about as close to reality.
16
But isn't this what America wants? They did vote him into office didn't they? So it's clear that there are many voters who are not the sharpest tacks in the box. This is why we still need the Electoral College. But it must minus the two electors representing the state senators. That would more closely scale its members to the actual population. And these electors must be firmly instructed that their primary job is to keep any more Trumps out of the Oval Office.
5
Don't blame Americans in general - Trump lost the popular vote.
1
So now we know what Comey was truly afraid of with Trump. This is what Trump ultimately wanted from Comey, complete submission to his demands. Trump could not have demonstrated any more clearly why he ultimately fired Comey, by forcing this 'loyalty performance' of his Cabinet Secretaries. Trump could not control Comey in any aspect of Comey's job, especially the Russian investigation. Comey became an enemy of the Trump cabal.
41
There goes my hope for activating Article 25.
10
The next thing we will see is a new pledge, something like this:
I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to Donald Trump, for which it stands, one divided nation, where God is missing, no longer indivisible, where liberty and justice exist no longer.
I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to Donald Trump, for which it stands, one divided nation, where God is missing, no longer indivisible, where liberty and justice exist no longer.
17
This story is so surreal it could just as easily have appeared in the "Shouts and Murmurs" column of The New Yorker.
18
It all sounds frighteningly similar to dictatorships. I think of pictures of the North Korean officials beaming intensely at their leader. How frightening that our President has so little sense of self that his cabinet must be panderers. Thank you Mr Mattis.
31
"I come to bury Caesar, not to praise him."
10
I can't believe this actually happened. Why do these people indulge this man or even work for him? What's in it for them? They seem brainwashed. It looks like the Stockholm syndrome - so many prisoners praising their jailer.
27
I think they all honestly believe in his mission.
Good Grief !!!
10
Nope. Not everybody in Mississippi. No.
16
In the NYT photo of Trump and his cabinet.........after a POTUS version of the show "government apprentice"......the only one smiling like a Cheshire cat is Trump.....a rare occurrence.....the rest of the pictured cabinet looks grim.
This is after they all responded to the question "why i shouldnt be fired."...........to narcissistic Trump who used real estate salesman "feel good"babble,from an old reality show script.........to blatantly lie about unprecedented achievements and progress of a chaotic and failing (while under criminal investigation) presidency . Who will be the first to step up and say "the emperor has no clothes"?
This is after they all responded to the question "why i shouldnt be fired."...........to narcissistic Trump who used real estate salesman "feel good"babble,from an old reality show script.........to blatantly lie about unprecedented achievements and progress of a chaotic and failing (while under criminal investigation) presidency . Who will be the first to step up and say "the emperor has no clothes"?
10
It certaily shows how much the criticism is actually getting to him.
For every blunder the media covers, we will see more of this.
For every blunder the media covers, we will see more of this.
16
Revolting. I realize now that there's nothing remotely presidential about Pence either. I suppose we are to relinquish any hopes regarding the fitness of most of Trump's appointments beyond their ability to flatter the naked emperor.
21
Reince Priebus's groveling was the worst- then again perhaps not surprising as he's apparently trying to save his "blessed" job.
18
This is the most pathetic display of vanity and pathological narcissism. How can these adults humiliate themselves in such a way? Is this the court of Louis XIV where only flattery of the basest sort will enable courtiers to get ahead? Why are these people so eager to destroy our democracy by pretending this is normal behavior. Please keep denouncing this!
24
Wow, Dear Leader, this reads like a bad day with Kim...
"Kim Jong-un is just as amazing as his father, according to North Korea state media which revealed he was a gifted sailor as a youth — who also learned to drive at the age of three. The younger Kim is also a celebrated musical composer and artist, who is celebrated around the world."
The difference here is that the Republicans on this Cabinet are going to be the subject of a National Lampoon musical instead of a serious work like "Hamilton" which also parodied a bunch of old white men. Certainly lots of room to rewrite, "History has its eyes on you"
[WASHINGTON]
"Let me tell you what I wish I’d known
When I was young and dreamed of glory:
You have no control:
Who lives, who dies, who tells your story."
So, Act One, Scene One from the new musical; The President's New Clothes: Candidate Trump is singing with Billy Bush on a Bus sometime in the not so distant past.
It goes downhill from there.
"Kim Jong-un is just as amazing as his father, according to North Korea state media which revealed he was a gifted sailor as a youth — who also learned to drive at the age of three. The younger Kim is also a celebrated musical composer and artist, who is celebrated around the world."
The difference here is that the Republicans on this Cabinet are going to be the subject of a National Lampoon musical instead of a serious work like "Hamilton" which also parodied a bunch of old white men. Certainly lots of room to rewrite, "History has its eyes on you"
[WASHINGTON]
"Let me tell you what I wish I’d known
When I was young and dreamed of glory:
You have no control:
Who lives, who dies, who tells your story."
So, Act One, Scene One from the new musical; The President's New Clothes: Candidate Trump is singing with Billy Bush on a Bus sometime in the not so distant past.
It goes downhill from there.
6
Toadies on parade!
13
Kim Jon-trump and his band of sick lackeys are making a total mockery of the Presidency. I am feeling so nauseous that I cannot continue with this post.
11
As someone wiser than me said recently: Elect a clown, expect a circus.
34
This disgusting display of flattery speaks volumes about this administration and should be a concern to anyone who cares about democracy! No leader in any position in government in America should allow this kind of adulation, let alone display it to the nation. The cabinet has now been reduced to a reality TV show!
175
This is obscene, and grotesque, and nauseating. This is not some reality show to entertain and make a profit, this is about governance of the United States, the management of an enormous nation and economy and group of people, for the best interests of those people. These people are supposed to be serving the citizens of this country, not making a bundle while they preen for cameras.
And all this with OUR tax dollars.
I strive to live by the words and actions of my grandparents, as two people who impressed me greatly during their lives. My morally upstanding, hard-working, deeply devout Republican grandfather must be spinning in his grave.
And all this with OUR tax dollars.
I strive to live by the words and actions of my grandparents, as two people who impressed me greatly during their lives. My morally upstanding, hard-working, deeply devout Republican grandfather must be spinning in his grave.
190
The administration is in damage control mode. Instead of focusing on accomplishments and other positives the Chief of Staff came up with the idol worship meeting instead.
16
Half of the country hopes that Trump will be impeached. It is not going to happen.
What they should actually be very concerned about, given the sycophancy of the congress (e.g, Ryan) and the people around him, and indeed half of the American voters, is that the congress not decide to overturn the 22nd amendment, and make him President for life (after all, he has been the best president ever, and it would be really sad if we do not get to follow him - would go the argument!).
At this point in time, nothing would surprise.
What they should actually be very concerned about, given the sycophancy of the congress (e.g, Ryan) and the people around him, and indeed half of the American voters, is that the congress not decide to overturn the 22nd amendment, and make him President for life (after all, he has been the best president ever, and it would be really sad if we do not get to follow him - would go the argument!).
At this point in time, nothing would surprise.
7
Let's see, the last time I saw something like this was a tape of a meeting from North Korea, where the ministers took turns praising Kim Jong-un as "The Great Leader!" Are we now to expect parades of the military past the White House holding giant pictures of Trump and chanting his name?
No, wait, I know. He'll start wearing a toga and a crown of olive leaves. People will have to perform the Triple Obeisance when admitted to his presence.
No, wait, I know. He'll start wearing a toga and a crown of olive leaves. People will have to perform the Triple Obeisance when admitted to his presence.
30
You are talking about the man who tried to get a military parade with tanks for his inauguration.
3
Why do you suppose in that photo, Trump is the only one smiling? The rest are probably creating their resumes....
11
And yet, who will hire them after a debasing performance like that? Priebus will take that performance to the grave.
Hmmm, lookks like a perfect way to head off use of the 25th amendment. Who of these lackeys would have to courage to now say Trump is unfit.
6
And a nation throws up in its mouth.
28
It was certainly an embarrassing spectacle, but hardly unusual. I teach at at public school in LA and yesterday we had our end of the year meeting also. It was lead by the principal who began with the usual perfunctory platitudes and hollow recognitions, followed by his accomplishments in keeping our positions intact for one more year . . . And so forth. It finished with a rah rah and a similar opportunity for each of us to thank one another and to kiss his ring as well. The only thing about our meeting was that it wasn't covered on TV or pounced on by the press. I'm sure at Trump's meeting they was more served than stale coffee and untoasted bagels.
6
I find an obvious difference between a school principal and the leader of an entire country. Your principal cannot begin wars, subvert the judicial system of our country, nor commit to willfully destroying the natural environment of an entire planet. We will take the people's of Earth down with us.
5
The next step for these cabinet members is to join together singing a song from "Bye Bye Birdie" reworded as "We love you Donald, oh yes we do! We love you Donald, and we'll be true!"
That would be funny, but there's nothing funny about those fawning sycophants praising Trump.
That would be funny, but there's nothing funny about those fawning sycophants praising Trump.
16
Disgusting display of sycophants giving their "Lord" an oath of fealty. Mattis was the only one to restrain himself.
This is not normal in a democracy.
This is not normal in a democracy.
17
We Americans who hail from the ME and NA are too familiar with this spectacle and if not dealt with swiftly, it could become the norm. Trump is not only an embarrassment but a very greedy dangerous man who has long been seeking to live and rule like the Middle eastern monarchs whom he envy greatly( watch a clip of him on the Oprah Winfrey show some 25 years ago saying he wanted to take a 25% cut of Qatari oil sales).
9
The Goneril's and Regan's, not the Cordelia's, dominate King Lear Trump's cabinet. He wouldn't have it any other way. Your job is in danger if you speak out and you will get cyberbullied. The national embarrassment continues.
8
All of the 24 people who bizarrely paid tribute to Dear Leader did so with well crafted and obviously pre-rehearsed professions of faith. This was the furthest thing possible from a spontaneous expression of confidence. I would like to see the memo where trump informed his cabinet that he "hoped" they would come to the meeting prepared with appropriate praise and glory.
12
How can I find out what Elaine Chao, aka Mrs. Mitch McConnell and Transportation Secretary under Trump, said in praise of her boss?
1
the sycophants agree! what a surprise!
7
Going well, I'd hate to see what happens if things turn bad!!
4
It is not easy to glorify this Cabinet’s members, as many have glorified Secretary Mattis, but one sees why for Secretary Mattis positivity might have been warranted. His words were not cheap. The rest of this meeting was tawdry.
4
Out of curiosity and a general desire to learn about different perspectives (!), I went over to Fox News to see how this was being reported. I had to look hard to find a link, way down on the front page to something named "Ben Carson - This Cabinet is Working together." (news we can use) There was about 2 minutes of Trump declaring himself "the greatest" (except for FDR, of course, he had that Great Depression to deal with), and DeVos, Tillerson, Pompeo and Mattis were singled out for their exemplary praise. Then, in studio, Carson burbbled on about how there are some in the Cabinet who are "laser focused" on getting things done, despite those would would distract from this great work with the nothing to see there Russia investigation. I am so relieved to hear this! Aren't you all?
5
Song of the sycophants...
4
Trump just proved that he demands loyalty from those around him. One for Comey.
17
Sycophants is as sycophants does. (with profound apologies to Forrest Gump.)
4
I just cannot get my head around the fact that Mr. Tillerson (chief executive of the world's largest publicly traded international oil and gas company) would participate in this charade...he was a titan of the industry and look at him now. It's beyond mind-boggling.
12
Downright embarrassing to watch those men and women! - The stupidity of (supposedly) intelligent people never ceases to amaze me!
5
I cannot fathom how Trump's supporters are not put off by these sick displays. Everyone knows bragging is an ugly trait, yet Trump does it constantly, without any nuance. Anyone with more than two functioning brain cells would realize this charade was completely orchestrated. I'm betting all Trump supporters would chastise their own children for behaving the way Trump does, every hour of every day. What the heck is going on here, on a mass psychology level? How far will it go? The fact that nobody stops it is terrify.
9
I think Trump stopped watching cable news and instead watched the Walking Dead season seven's "How to Govern for Dummies" by Negan. "Who are you?" he queries "Trump!" came the unanimous reply from the sheeple...
4
These people have absolutely no principles. Cynics might say that applies to all those involved in politics, but these people are no better than those who propped up totalitarians like Stalin and Hitler. They are not conservatives, they certainly are not Christians (Pence) and they obviously do not intend to honor their oath to uphold the US Constitution. Don't even bother publishing this garbage, please!
4
"Cruella' Trump: "What kind of sycophant are you?" Cabinetarian: "What kind of sycophant do you want me to be?"
4
Remember the big Iraqi legislative meeting where all the sycophants competed to outpraise each other re the glories of Saddam Hussein? Or the Communist Party rallies where everybody praised Stalin? Now playing, in the United States of America - dad gum. Where's the lifeboat?
6
As Mr. Trump would say: SAD
Bow before the Emperor!
Bow before the Emperor!
5
I've seen a lot of crazy things in politics ober the past 50 years but this one takes the cake.
5
How can Preibus look at himself in the mirror each day?
My God...I thought he was going to kiss trump's ring after he gushed all over him.
My God...I thought he was going to kiss trump's ring after he gushed all over him.
4
I look forward to the official presidential portrait of Donald Trump in the style of Napoleon Crossing the Alps.
Maybe Trump's memoir cover could be in the style of a romance novel - standing there all buff & half naked, on a pile of legislation deporting Muslims and taking insurance away, as Pence and Preibus grovel at his feet.
Maybe Trump's memoir cover could be in the style of a romance novel - standing there all buff & half naked, on a pile of legislation deporting Muslims and taking insurance away, as Pence and Preibus grovel at his feet.
3
All SYCOPHANTS...................
1
All hail the almighty emperor! Bow down at his feet as he praises himself! How do these people live with themselves? Truly disgusting.
6
Laughable if it wasn't so pathetic. Hopefully, some of them recover their dignity...if they haven't traded it away to serve this disgusting man.
1
The very definition of obsequious.
Almost as bad as spineless ted Cruz bringing wife to dinner w dt.
And the alt right calls lefties "snowflakes?"
Almost as bad as spineless ted Cruz bringing wife to dinner w dt.
And the alt right calls lefties "snowflakes?"
6
This scripted level of devotion from every cabinet member, except one, frightens me more than the tweets and self-adoring speeches of the president. The statements are bizarre in their fawning nature and devoid of any substance. The cabinet members do nothing to forward the business of the people. Cults of personality belong in dictatorship nations, not here.
161
With every sunrise I turn to the east and bow down to Washington DC, and give thanks that I have had the good fortune to live during the time when Trump is our blessed leader. With his benign and all-knowing guidance our country is Greater than ever before. Our lawns are greener, our skies are bluer, the sun shines more, and children are all taller than average and have fewer cavities. My car has stopped using gas, and the tires keep getting more tread on them. The paint is shinier too. With gentle rains falling only at night between midnight and 4AM, our nation's crops are growing better than ever. The corn is over knee-high and its not even the Fourth yet. With our Blessed Leader in the White House, all is Great with America again. I am only sad when I think that all the rest of the world has to struggle without the gentle, wise, and incredible guidance and leadership of Trump. How lucky, I think, that I am alive during this small window of history when Trump has descended to the world to give his presence to our nation. How lucky we all are to have the four years of his presence at the top, showing all just what real greatness is. What a sad day it will be when our Blessed Leader takes his Billions and goes back to his gilded tower, to make deals that last for an eternity and beyond.
38
President Obama held his first cabinet meeting on April 20, 2009. By contrast, Trump's meeting comes almost two months later. President Obama, in his first 100 days, passed major legislation, including the stimulus package, the Lily Ledbetter Act, and expanded the CHIP program. As for Trump? Nothing. Pence and Priebus may feel personally blessed by Trump, but under President Obama, the entire nation experienced actual benefits.
29
What Trump did in an amazing moment in our history is two-fold. His ego-mania was on display fully and completely for the American public to witness. He also forced these supposed adults around him, to publicly humiliate themselves for the sole purpose of aggrandizing the 'Great Leader'. This is out of the playbook out of any number of dictators. It is embarrassing to watch and horrifying to think these individuals are in charge of running our institutions. These Cabinet Secretaries at the table have clearly lost all self-respect and more critically, the respect of the employees who work for them.
31
These oaths of loyalty put America on notice that the VP and a majority of the cabinet will never invoke the 25th amendment "sanity" clause on presidential succession no matter what Trump does.
14
When will this nightmare end?
30
I must say, Donald Trump has been the greatest inspiration to my critical writing skills in my lifetime. His down to earth homilies to himself, his inspired use of repeating adverbs, and his ability to avoid long sentences has been a wonderful wonderful boon to... something. I simply cannot imagine how any other human being could replace him. Truly, and hopefully, he is unique.
5
Was this the North Korean Politburo meeting, or the President's cabinet? What a sickening display.
19
Don't know who orchestrated this embarrassing display by the Cabinet but I wonder if that person got the idea from watching all the adulation usually hosted on Kim Jon Un. In the case of the North Korean leader it is done to escape the wrath of their leader. What excuse does the Cabinet here have?
16
If you've ever wondered what a meeting of North Korean leaders looks like...
17
Good for Jim Mattis. He could have decided to weave in the words "Commander in Chief" along with some smarmy honorific but pointedly chose not to. Of course now he's probably wondering how much longer he'll have his job.
12
Why should that matter? I believed while in the military during a very troubled time in this country, 1967-1969 (I was drafted), that my oath was for the country, not for the CO! He is not serving this country rather, he is serving a dictator much like N. Korea.
This behavior by his senior staff is abhorrent to the citizens of this country!
We have slowly become a third world country and this acceleration has reached warp speed!
This behavior by his senior staff is abhorrent to the citizens of this country!
We have slowly become a third world country and this acceleration has reached warp speed!
Yes, they are all loyal but are they honest.
For a while I have thought if the members of Trump's cabinet have any self-respect. I got my answer today. Not an iota left.
I doubt the American people have been treated to such a spectacle of enforced political obsequiousness since the old Soviet Union broadcast video from the Kremlin of the meetings of the Soviet Politburo of 1950's Russia. I'm quite sure Khrushchev or even Old Joe Stalin himself would have felt comfortable with the amount and fever of the praise showered on our own, 'Beloved Leader'.
The only thing missing in this 2017 Cabinet meeting to complete the picture, would have been the shoe in the hand of the our own Head of the People's Commissars.
The only thing missing in this 2017 Cabinet meeting to complete the picture, would have been the shoe in the hand of the our own Head of the People's Commissars.
6
It's official. This nation is in big trouble.
23
My friend, a therapist, calls it buttering their bread, when you know you have to stroke someone's ego to be in their good graces. It definitely looks like an unhealthy dynamic to see those people fawning over Trump like that. Bill Maher did a great piece on it - it was just as cringe-worthy to watch.
7
Things ARE going well. And with any luck Trump will still be in the White House to remind the entire world what a disaster republican fiscal idiocy and so-called "governance" has become when the elections roll around in 2018.
4
Remember how we'd say ... that can't happen in USA!
8
I am probably the only Trump supporter here as most of us have quit reading the NYT. I check it out now and then just to watch the left's meltdown. So many of you say that President Trump has not done anything... so what are you worried about? In reality he is doing things that you don't want done, which is exactly why I voted for him. This is about more than personalities, and I think you all know this. It's about our broad political philosophies.
Darlene -
If you read the NYT more often, you would find that there are a number of brave, if misguided, Trump supporters commenting here. And that the reaction to Trump by the majority of Americans, not just readers of the NYT, is dismay and disgust.
If you can watch this video and not find it disturbingly reminiscent of Stalinist Russia, then I have to assume that putting an autocrat/kleptocrat in the White House is fine with you, as long as he's your autocrat. The majority of us find him frightening and un-American.
If you read the NYT more often, you would find that there are a number of brave, if misguided, Trump supporters commenting here. And that the reaction to Trump by the majority of Americans, not just readers of the NYT, is dismay and disgust.
If you can watch this video and not find it disturbingly reminiscent of Stalinist Russia, then I have to assume that putting an autocrat/kleptocrat in the White House is fine with you, as long as he's your autocrat. The majority of us find him frightening and un-American.
7
So your point of view is "Since he hasn't pushed that big red button yet, everything's OK"?
5
Darlene - what are those things that he has done? You must be speaking of the executive orders/actions, because there has been no major legislative action. And, who wouldn't applaud repealing environmental regulations that have served to clean our air and waterways?
It seems that many of trump's supporters actually believe the rhetoric, actually believe that trump is responsible for events that occur 4 months after his inauguration...things that could not possibly be happening due to his actions because there haven't been any.
So what are the "things that you don't want done"?
It seems that many of trump's supporters actually believe the rhetoric, actually believe that trump is responsible for events that occur 4 months after his inauguration...things that could not possibly be happening due to his actions because there haven't been any.
So what are the "things that you don't want done"?
1
Creepy and disturbing, while simultaneously hysterical. Trump has managed to wring any last drops of dignity and self-respect out of these sad sacks.
18
Trump tarnishes and diminishes everyone foolish enough to work for him.
7
This performance, Trump surrounded by his cronies, all extolling his virtues, is reminiscent of something we would see in North Korea.
9
To the Trump Cabinet: have you no sense of dignity?
5
The Cabinet is just doing what congressmen and Saudis do: butter up Trump and then do whatever you want after. Trump is too uninformed and lazy to ever find out what you're really up to. So if you have an agenda you think is good for your country, whichever it is, just butter him up.
What's really striking is that the only person unable to see through this is Trump, who is the master of telling people whatever they want to hear and then forgetting all the promises and assurances the next day. He thinks he's so clever that nobody has caught on, when we've all caught on and are using it on a gullible Trump.
There's no upside in telling Trump the truth. It just draws attention to yourself when
What's really striking is that the only person unable to see through this is Trump, who is the master of telling people whatever they want to hear and then forgetting all the promises and assurances the next day. He thinks he's so clever that nobody has caught on, when we've all caught on and are using it on a gullible Trump.
There's no upside in telling Trump the truth. It just draws attention to yourself when
4
Also, Cabinet Member Vladimir Putin sent two dozen roses and his best wishes.
17
Can hardly wait for SNL and Alec Baldwin to take this on.
8
I have never seen a more pathetic and sickening display of simultaneous narcissism and sycophancy. Priebus especially sounded as if he were praying to his god. The word loser definitely applies to a person who needs this kind of constant flattery. To think that such a mockery occurred in the house of the American people.
17
A pathetic display of those called upon for their loyalty. I wonder if DJT got this idea from North Korea since things are so less complicated there and no one questions their leader.
3
Draining the swamp of Obama/Clinton will take time but it is well under way. Irreparable damage was done to America by people who only want to ruin this country for themselves. Spending money foolishly, open borders, socialism which does not work, and big government to ruin every aspect of this nation is deplorable.
Seemed a bit like the scene in The Untouchables - however, De Niro needed a baseball bat to ensure everyone toes the line. Trump has other ways to batter someone into submission.
5
This is like all those photos we see from North Korea of Kim Jong-un surrounded by his military all with huge smiles on their faces. The only difference, thank the lord, is that in North Korea people get killed when they fall out of favor, but in Donald Trumps tv show Presidency they just get fired. So far anyway.
6
Sounds like an infomercial!
1
This made me think of Animal House. "Thank you sir my I have another".
4
This kiss up fest is the most disturbing thing I've seen from any administration.
It was Trump's absolute domination of spineless careerists debasing themselves to feed the ego of a pathetically insecure little man.
to me this was a national tragedy.
It was Trump's absolute domination of spineless careerists debasing themselves to feed the ego of a pathetically insecure little man.
to me this was a national tragedy.
8
Fawning toadies--shamelessly feeding the growing personality cult of the tin-pot would-be despot and his insatiable narcissism. This is not normal, people. This has never been seen in American presidencies.
10
How different was America when people still had self-respect and would not kowtow.
27
The essence of "fake news" right here:
“I will say that never has there been a president, with few exceptions — in the case of F.D.R. he had a major Depression to handle — who’s passed more legislation, who’s done more things than what we’ve done,” Mr. Trump said. “We’ve been about as active as you can possibly be, and at a just about record-setting pace.”
Donald Trump is delusional and the members of his cabinet went right along with this propaganda piece. Truly fake news!
“I will say that never has there been a president, with few exceptions — in the case of F.D.R. he had a major Depression to handle — who’s passed more legislation, who’s done more things than what we’ve done,” Mr. Trump said. “We’ve been about as active as you can possibly be, and at a just about record-setting pace.”
Donald Trump is delusional and the members of his cabinet went right along with this propaganda piece. Truly fake news!
32
Trump's administration has been like a reality show, but this converts the whole production into a poorly scripted cartoon.
22
Let the meme recreations begin...
Oh wait, Schumer and staff already did one.
This will be an internet sensation.
I predict that this farce will be recreated in jest in corporate meeting rooms from coast to coast.
Oh wait, Schumer and staff already did one.
This will be an internet sensation.
I predict that this farce will be recreated in jest in corporate meeting rooms from coast to coast.
19
And across kindergarten play tables
1
Shades of King Lear.
20
Unfortunately Ivanka is no Cordelia.
1
"Unfortunately Ivanka is no Cordelia."
No, Gen. Mattis is Cordelia. DJT was "stern-faced" as Mattis praised the troops rather than the president.
No, Gen. Mattis is Cordelia. DJT was "stern-faced" as Mattis praised the troops rather than the president.
4
Stomach-turning display by an incredibly unqualified cabinet serving an even less-qualified president. But it highlights the truth of James Comey's testimony regarding loyalty pledges. Was this meant to inspire confidence in our government and our president? It inspires fear and loathing in me.
31
AFTER READING THAT TRUMP’S CABINET “EXTOLS THE BLESSING OF SERVING HIM”, and then the president praises himself, it is unmistakably clear that ‘All is changed, changed utterly’ in American politics. Those appointed by the president see their mission is to fawningly serve him, not the American people. Where is the champion of the citizens in Congress to rise up and declare, 'Something is rotten in the state of Denmark'?
30
Such a small, small man. So sad!
17
" He (Trump) declared himself one of the most productive presidents in American history-perhaps Franklin D. Roosevelt could come close, he conceded." This truly is the greatest misrepresentation of the truth as I know it, although there is definitely an alternative universe of what passes for truth these days. FDR is responsible for guiding the country through the depression of the 1930's, giving renewed hope to millions of people with his fireside chats as well as instituting Social Security and leading the US through a long and difficult World War II. How dare he even compare himself to one of the greatest presidents in the history of the US.
27
If by "productive" he means "destructive," he is correct.
3
It sounds like something out of North Korea! or "1984!"
14
Straight out of Kim Jong Un's playbook. And that of any other, from a long line of time-dishonored fascists.
Gird yourselves, Americans. We have yet to see Trump's political or media opponents persecuted, jailed, or silenced in other predictable ways - but have no doubt it's coming, and must be met head-on.
Gird yourselves, Americans. We have yet to see Trump's political or media opponents persecuted, jailed, or silenced in other predictable ways - but have no doubt it's coming, and must be met head-on.
20
This was one of the most bizarre spectacles of the Trump presidency thus far -- and that's saying something.
The entire Cabinet and White House staff must now, it seems, flatter the President, stroke his ego and feed his apparently bottomless need for adoration. To use a phrase that is rapidly becoming trite, this is not normal. This is something that the counselors to a 10-year-old king might have done in the era of hereditary monarchs.
Trump may want endless flattery, but what he needs is for his Cabinet and staff to drag him into reality. The man simply does not live in the real world, and his enablers seem content to reinforce his delusions. He sincerely believes that he has had the most productive first few months in presidential history, when the reality is the exact opposite. Has there ever been a more chaotic, blundering and self-destructive presidency? Has there ever been a more inept, incompetent and unproductive president?
Trump is not just misguided, he is positively delusional. There is something seriously wrong with his mental and emotional faculties. This can't go on for 3.5 more years.
The entire Cabinet and White House staff must now, it seems, flatter the President, stroke his ego and feed his apparently bottomless need for adoration. To use a phrase that is rapidly becoming trite, this is not normal. This is something that the counselors to a 10-year-old king might have done in the era of hereditary monarchs.
Trump may want endless flattery, but what he needs is for his Cabinet and staff to drag him into reality. The man simply does not live in the real world, and his enablers seem content to reinforce his delusions. He sincerely believes that he has had the most productive first few months in presidential history, when the reality is the exact opposite. Has there ever been a more chaotic, blundering and self-destructive presidency? Has there ever been a more inept, incompetent and unproductive president?
Trump is not just misguided, he is positively delusional. There is something seriously wrong with his mental and emotional faculties. This can't go on for 3.5 more years.
33
Trump boasts in his cabinet meeting that no administration has accomplished so much in such a short time. History is more likely to record that no administration destroyed so much so quickly on both the domestic and foreign fronts, including the country's reputation as a respected world leader. Trump's self-congratulatory words and smile and his insatiable need for adulation yet again are but another example of how sick he truly is. And then we have his entourage of sycophants, with the notable exception of Mattis who is" honored" to represent not the President but "the men and women of the Department of Defense." What an embarrassing and frightening proof of this cohort's dangerous abdication of a genuine commitment to truly honorable public service.
15
"I will say that never has there been a president, with few exceptions — in the case of F.D.R. he had a major Depression to handle — who’s passed more legislation, who’s done more things than what we’ve done", “We’ve been about as active as you can possibly be, and at a just about record-setting pace.” He certainly has played golf more then any president. I guess our president needs his ego stroked more then a bond villain strokes there cat.
9
If this continues any longer I will have a 'major depression to handle' too.
5
Surreal. America's first Kim Jong-Un moment. More to come, for sure given our great leader's - oops, I mean president's -affinity for dictators.
10
Well, all that was missing were the fake Jersey/NY accents, the cannoli and swearing of blood oaths. So lame!
The "Don" of nothing. All who took part in that charade will wear that embarrassment for the rest of their lives. I wish I was reading all of this in a history book describing events from 100 years ago and how the US survived and recovered from this so called presidency.
The "Don" of nothing. All who took part in that charade will wear that embarrassment for the rest of their lives. I wish I was reading all of this in a history book describing events from 100 years ago and how the US survived and recovered from this so called presidency.
Anyone who works for Trump always looses their reputations and are always thrown under the bus sooner or later. Yesterday, tattered reputations were were on display and it was not pretty.
8
The speed in which Trump has turned the U.S. into an authoritarian-leaning democracy is devastating. 1933 anyone?
17
It's Trump's loyalty test, just as he demanded James Comey. Apparently most of his cabinet members past the test. The losers are us, American people!
8
The Cabinet probably did this on the advice of a shrink. Narcissistic personality disorder is untreatable, so the best anyone can do is to distract Trump enough to make him forget about the nuclear football.
Mattis did not join in because the military standards of fitness prohibit psychotics from serving in the armed forces, so Mattis does not regard Trump as his Commander in Chief.
Mattis did not join in because the military standards of fitness prohibit psychotics from serving in the armed forces, so Mattis does not regard Trump as his Commander in Chief.
7
Most of those in his cabinet were supporters during the campaign. They are probably also aware of his vindictive behavior if one does not give him adulation. Much as this scene turned my stomach, we must tread very carefully with this man who will become even more dangerous as he sees that his end as President is coming.
7
the whole spectacle reminded one of one of saddam hussein's loyalty pledges from spooked bobble heads for a media photo op. sad.
6
Sounds more like a meeting of the North Korean cabinet.
In both areas if you say the wrong thing you could face death, in one place your life, the other place your job.
In both areas if you say the wrong thing you could face death, in one place your life, the other place your job.
7
He probably got the idea from Kim Jung Un.
6
I seriously doubt that anyone has gone against Putin and not lived to regret it.
Trump sees Putin as a great leader, just as he admire Kim Jung Un because of god knows what.
Trump sees Putin as a great leader, just as he admire Kim Jung Un because of god knows what.
1
Never has there been such an insecure, needy child. People say he behaves like a 5 year old -- more like a 2 year old. So glad that when he drained the swamp, he was left with these toadies.
11
The last line of narration from the movie Patton:
"For over a thousand years, Roman conquerors returning from the wars enjoyed the honor of a triumph - a tumultuous parade. In the procession came trumpeters and musicians and strange animals from the conquered territories, together with carts laden with treasure and captured armaments. The conqueror rode in a triumphal chariot, the dazed prisoners walking in chains before him. Sometimes his children, robed in white, stood with him in the chariot, or rode the trace horses. A slave stood behind the conqueror, holding a golden crown, and whispering in his ear a warning: that all glory is fleeting."
"For over a thousand years, Roman conquerors returning from the wars enjoyed the honor of a triumph - a tumultuous parade. In the procession came trumpeters and musicians and strange animals from the conquered territories, together with carts laden with treasure and captured armaments. The conqueror rode in a triumphal chariot, the dazed prisoners walking in chains before him. Sometimes his children, robed in white, stood with him in the chariot, or rode the trace horses. A slave stood behind the conqueror, holding a golden crown, and whispering in his ear a warning: that all glory is fleeting."
6
Trump wants what Kim Jong Un has, a cult of personality.
Can a president award himself the Medal of Honor? At this rate we'll find out by year's end.
Can a president award himself the Medal of Honor? At this rate we'll find out by year's end.
11
Wow. Just wow.
6
This was an appalling display of fascism and lies. Trump has accomplished less than any president I can recall, and clearly from this he has surrounded himself with spineless lackeys that can do nothing but flatter his ego.
I'm thankful that Trump is so incompetent and inefficient, glad that we don't have a skillful fascist instead. But this kind of nonsense and lies makes America look bad to the world. Pretty sure historians will point back to 2016 as the year America began to collapse.
I'm thankful that Trump is so incompetent and inefficient, glad that we don't have a skillful fascist instead. But this kind of nonsense and lies makes America look bad to the world. Pretty sure historians will point back to 2016 as the year America began to collapse.
6
This isn't a cabinet, it's a religious cult.
12
The decline of our republic just accelerated. And not a single Trump troll here to defend this shameful display.
8
Dean Fox No, there was one here; he said something like he was proud of them because they all took a pay cut to serve Trump.
I started to respond to his comment to express my disgust, but I felt so helpless to effectively shame anyone who could think that way that I gave up the attempt. I mean really, where do you begin?
I started to respond to his comment to express my disgust, but I felt so helpless to effectively shame anyone who could think that way that I gave up the attempt. I mean really, where do you begin?
Sick and Sad -- are they really that complicit in destroying the American system of government. No wonder Trump admires Rodrigo Duterte - an evil partner in crimes.
6
L'état, c'est moi.
In the court of Louis XIV, fawning nobles used to vie for the privilege of being in the royal bed chamber while the King was getting out of bed and dressing, which was a ritualistic performance of mandatory attendance, one among many, that kept the nobles away from managing their provincial estates while also absorbing all their time so they couldn't think for a second of revolting.
The only thing that Trump ever mastered in his long life was getting himself at the center of attention. That culminated in his reality show The Apprentice where he perfected the art of humiliating other people while basking in his inflated sense of self. This first-ever ring-kissing Cabinet meeting is but a renewed season of a show that should have been cancelled when it was just a guilty entertainment pleasure. Now it's front and center at the heart of our government.
The majority of us did not sign up to be the hapless contestants of this show of shows, and only a minority still approves of what The Apprentice looks like when relocated to the Oval Office.
In the court of Louis XIV, fawning nobles used to vie for the privilege of being in the royal bed chamber while the King was getting out of bed and dressing, which was a ritualistic performance of mandatory attendance, one among many, that kept the nobles away from managing their provincial estates while also absorbing all their time so they couldn't think for a second of revolting.
The only thing that Trump ever mastered in his long life was getting himself at the center of attention. That culminated in his reality show The Apprentice where he perfected the art of humiliating other people while basking in his inflated sense of self. This first-ever ring-kissing Cabinet meeting is but a renewed season of a show that should have been cancelled when it was just a guilty entertainment pleasure. Now it's front and center at the heart of our government.
The majority of us did not sign up to be the hapless contestants of this show of shows, and only a minority still approves of what The Apprentice looks like when relocated to the Oval Office.
8
A whole new level of weird. If you squinted your eyes hard enough you might have thought you were watching an audition for season 1 of The Apprentice.
6
No need to worry until Trump meets with Dennis Rodman
1
Didn't you know Rodman is Trump's new ambassador to North Korea (forgetabout South Korea, they sell too many cars here).
1
Blessing? Blessing?!!!! It's practically a sacrilege.
They are obviously afraid of him, which is downright scary.
They are obviously afraid of him, which is downright scary.
6
How refreshing amid all the cynicism in Washington D.C. to see such a genuine display of affection for a president who has accomplished so much more than FDR, JFK, and LBJ combined in his first few months in office. But what's with that ungrateful Mattis guy, who could only praise U.S. troops for putting their lives on the line for their country?
7
Ironic humor does not play well in Amurica . . . better to stick with sarcasm . . . and Trump would not know the difference anyway, so you'd be safe from his wrath as well . . . just sayin'
The news media have chosen to be Trump's Toadies. Proof is that any of the news media thought this sickening, sycophantic display by Trump's Toadies (news media and so-called cabinet members) should be broadcast or published.
3
The President of the United States is fast becoming an increasingly worrisome blend of Napoleon and Captain Queeg. Many wise people of all political stripes tried feverishly to warn America about this outcome throughout all of 2016. Even looking beyond the ramifications of any potentially unethical or illegal acts, Donald J. Trump is psychologically incapable of handling this job.
11
As hard as it is to believe now, there will come a time when Trump and his execrable cronies are no longer in power, when the damage they've wrought is being repaired, when this nightmare is fading into memory and our would-be dictator is facing the harsh judgment of history. And these spineless sycophants will never be able to wipe the stain from their reputations.
7
Where is self-respect, even self-preservation? Not here, at the Captain's table.
I would say to all crew members: keep an eye on the life-boats. This Ship of Fools is foundering.
I would say to all crew members: keep an eye on the life-boats. This Ship of Fools is foundering.
6
wow, that was the strangest thing I ever witnessed.....Trump is not King!!
5
Last time I saw this was at EST where I witnessed guru and cult leader Werner Erhard holding court for with those who, as his clones, were in charge of proselytizing personality disordered people by giving them (and me until I saw through him) a sense of purpose: to "transform" the world - not to mention Werner's offshore banking accounts - in preparation for his escape to Mexico.
8
It appears Trump's cabinet have all drunk
the poisoned Kool Aid given them by Great Leader Trump.
Yes men and women, toadies and mindless automatons
spewing Trump's made for TV propaganda and mind candy.
Let the President do all your thinking for you
that makes life so much easier.
the poisoned Kool Aid given them by Great Leader Trump.
Yes men and women, toadies and mindless automatons
spewing Trump's made for TV propaganda and mind candy.
Let the President do all your thinking for you
that makes life so much easier.
4
if this weren't so scary it would be hysterical
it is right out of north Korea -
the dear leader (or whatever he is called) standing there with his sycophants
sad and disturbing and says so much about how delusional and narcissistic he is
it is right out of north Korea -
the dear leader (or whatever he is called) standing there with his sycophants
sad and disturbing and says so much about how delusional and narcissistic he is
5
Pathetic, just totally pathetic. We have a little boy who wants to be a dictator, like the men he most admires, sitting in the Oval Office, wringing praises for himself from the people who are supposed to serve the citizens of this country. They are all acting in a melodrama, not doing us any good at all. What a nightmare for democracy!
8
Donald Trump is the kindest, bravest, warmest, most wonderful human being I've ever known in my life.
Donald Trump is the kindest, bravest, warmest, most wonderful human being I've ever known in my life.
Donald Trump is the kindest, bravest, warmest, most wonderful human being I've ever known in my life.
...........................
Just be careful not to flash the Queen of Hearts.
Donald Trump is the kindest, bravest, warmest, most wonderful human being I've ever known in my life.
Donald Trump is the kindest, bravest, warmest, most wonderful human being I've ever known in my life.
...........................
Just be careful not to flash the Queen of Hearts.
6
I don't think I've ever seen a table so surrounded by sycophants. Demoralizing!
6
If I were a Christian, I would say this is an obscenity. And what happens to all those who refuse to worship Trump?
3
"If I were a Christian, I would say this is an obscenity."
Or blasphemy.
Or blasphemy.
3
Another Dear Leader with instant minions. I am so embarrassed for them.
3
The Trump administration claims that there are no loyalty oaths made to Donald Trump and then the Cabinet makes a public display of everyone making their own personal loyalty pledge. Is there any doubt that "The Donald" required an oath of loyalty to him personally before any of them were nominated to their offices?
This is the cabinet to an American POTUS, not a royal court that publically sings the praises of their monarch. Yet, that is exactly what it looks and feels like. And there is "The Donald" pictured drinking in the praises of his minions all pledging their loyalty to an individual, not The Constitution.
If anything gives credibility to Comey's testimony about asking for a loyalty oath, this event says that every word Comey uttered is true. This is how dictatorships are formed. It is time to throw out the whole bunch of them.
This is the cabinet to an American POTUS, not a royal court that publically sings the praises of their monarch. Yet, that is exactly what it looks and feels like. And there is "The Donald" pictured drinking in the praises of his minions all pledging their loyalty to an individual, not The Constitution.
If anything gives credibility to Comey's testimony about asking for a loyalty oath, this event says that every word Comey uttered is true. This is how dictatorships are formed. It is time to throw out the whole bunch of them.
273
From the cabinet meeting, one wonders if there's any function served by the administration besides making Trump feel good about himself, receiving praise and firing people and making money.
But I think in reality, it's the same as the Saudis giving Trump a big honiking medal. It's a con on Don.
I think that after the obligatory feeding of Trump's ego is done, the cabinet members just do what they think is best in their roles when Trump isn't looking and has forgotten them. They know that Trump doesn't care about anything but the praise, and not about government, they know that drawing attention to oneself has no upside.
But I think in reality, it's the same as the Saudis giving Trump a big honiking medal. It's a con on Don.
I think that after the obligatory feeding of Trump's ego is done, the cabinet members just do what they think is best in their roles when Trump isn't looking and has forgotten them. They know that Trump doesn't care about anything but the praise, and not about government, they know that drawing attention to oneself has no upside.
Looked like something from North Korea
The word Obsequious called. It wants to update its profile picture.
245
Anyone currently self-identifying as a Republican should sit down over the weekend and read Solzhenitsyn's novel, One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich. Trump has not invented the cult of personality, people. Stephen Bannon is not the first totalitarian to get near the levers of state. If this is Mike Pence's greatest honor, I shutter to think what his prior life has been like. Reince Priebus feels blessed? Is he still going to feel that way on July 5th? Too bad Sean Spicer is not a member of the Cabinet, he could have told of the view from the White House shrubs.
34
We should all know by now that everything trump does is staged, and the messaging is a polar opposite to what's actually going on. He sits and says how much he's accomplished, yet has done nothing. His cabinet members talk about how much they like him, but he undercuts them at every turn. Hence, the cabinet members are either lying or they have given up all sense of being.
The more the press calls him on his lies, the more frantically he lies back, but as well the effect of his lies is diminishing. He's running out of gas.
The more the press calls him on his lies, the more frantically he lies back, but as well the effect of his lies is diminishing. He's running out of gas.
188
The most stunning aspect of it to me is how nearly all his cabinet members have thrown away efforts at portraying moral judgement, honesty and integrity. Their fawning and false praise is disturbing as well as nauseating.
Bravo at the very least to Mr. Mattis. I may not agree with all his war-mongering policies but at least the man's got some integrity.
Bravo at the very least to Mr. Mattis. I may not agree with all his war-mongering policies but at least the man's got some integrity.
154
simply pathetic - more potica and kool-aid for the gang of thieves.
15
Trump has outperformed every US president in history in one respect: he has inspired more donations to Planned Parenthood, the ACLU and the Southern Poverty Law Center than anyone thought possible. Bravo!
53
I admit the compliments were bizarre, BUT I didn't hear the "prod" that your article says were there. If you believe it was scripted then say so otherwise your article misleads. I suppose the members could have simply stated their name and position, but that would have been a bore and not newsworthy. Hence the weird praise.
1
Only one person had to start the trend for the ball to get rolling. Others figured out pretty fast what was expected.
3
A bizarre and surreal episode. So Trump has developed and encouraged a cult of personality, certainly reminiscent of how third world despots act. And just how emotionally stable is an individual who constantly needs reaffirmation of his "greatness". In a private citizen such actions can draw concern; in the president of the United States, such actions are truly alarming.
23
This reminds me of a bad Thanksgiving dinner where Grandpa gathers the family members who have shamed the family to reconcile allegiances. Thank the mashed potato Gods for Uncle Fred (played here by Gen. Mattis) who held true and refused to play along, aiming to re-shift the focus back to the citizen (played here by the turkey).
Nice try Gramps.
Nice try Gramps.
7
Wait - he was inaugurated almost 5 months ago, and this is his first full cabinet meeting? Is that normal?
18
No, because the obstructionist Democrats took forever confirming his nominees. Despite Democrat's stonewalling and hostility, Trump has still been very successful in implementing his agenda.
Hey Joe, you were at that table, right?
It seems it is normal when it takes 4-1/2 months to cobble together a cabinet of willing fools . . .
opportunists celebrate when they see this character flaw
5
Trump knows that he needs to get passed meaningful legislation. At the end of the day results are what count and not adulation. Tax legislation needs to get passed within six months. Bring all that cash held overseas by US companies and use it to pay for infrastructure projects.
2
Don't hold your breath . . .
This was a display of cowardice at the highest level of government. That we have a man at the head of our government who requires this kind of reinforcement is a scary thing. How could we allow a man like that to gain the presidency? Something is fishy in DC.
21
Was this in Washington or in Pyongyang?
28
I am laughing, yesterday was definitely Pyongyang at the White House. I can only imagine what would have happened if one of the male cabinet members had the testicular tissue to stand up and say, Donald you are a complete jerk and disgrace to the United States. My guess is that he would have been tied to a chair with Kelly Anne Conway wearing her inaugural Minuteman outfit and lectured about the ways to please The Donald. Sickening is too slight a word to describe yesterday's cabinet meeting. How can some of those people look themselves in the mirror and not feel shame.
This disgusting display reminded me of how a similar meeting might be conducted in North Korea. Effusive praise for the Dear Leader. Some may laugh at this, but I think it indicates the US is teetering on the edge of dictatorship. We are a one-party nation, with no opposition to the ruling party. It's no laughing matter.
33
You are absolutely spot on. I've been seeing the similarities between Trump and Kim Jong-in for months. Up next---military parades in lock step adoration!
1
You beat me to it MsPea. I was going to say this is how I envisioned Kim Jong Un's "cabinet" meetings must be like....
One always picks
The easy fight
One praises fools
One smothers light
One shifts left to right
It's part of the art of the possible
- Evita
The easy fight
One praises fools
One smothers light
One shifts left to right
It's part of the art of the possible
- Evita
8
Mr. Trump:
Blessed are the meek: for they will inherit the earth. (5:5)
Blessed are the merciful: for they will be shown mercy. (5:7)
Blessed are the pure in heart: for they will see God. (5:8)
Blessed are the peacemakers: for they will be called children of God. (5:9)
just sayin'
Blessed are the meek: for they will inherit the earth. (5:5)
Blessed are the merciful: for they will be shown mercy. (5:7)
Blessed are the pure in heart: for they will see God. (5:8)
Blessed are the peacemakers: for they will be called children of God. (5:9)
just sayin'
9
Since I disagree with everything this so-called president stands for, I give him an A+ for getting absolutely nothing done! I hope this trend continues throughout his brief tenure. It's so entertaining watching him sign meaningless "executive orders" and then proudly displaying his signature signature as if he has actually done something. Since he has no functioning government, he can't implement his own orders! Good job, Mr. President, it's an honor to be mildly nauseous at everything you do.
18
Their greatest privilege is serving us. Remind them the next time they're up for re-election.
16
Mr. Trump, the majority of us have a major depression to handle. Thanks for that.
18
Saddam Hussein held a cabinet meeting during which one of his Ministers offered up a mild criticism. President Hussein asked the Minister to step into an adjoining room, where President Hussein pulled his sidearm from his holster and shot the man dead. So it goes.
19
Our "Dear Leader" comes to mind. This is scary beyond words.
11
Sycophants and lickspittles, all. I'd expect such pandering from 2nd rung leaders in North Korea (Dear Leader) but find it appalling and disquieting to hear such rubbish from the Vice President and Cabinet members.
17
"Sycophants and lickspittles, all."
All except Gen. Mattis. He's a man to watch.
All except Gen. Mattis. He's a man to watch.
I wanna be a boss
I wanna be a big boss
I wanna boss the world around
I wanna be the biggest boss that
Ever bossed the world around.
I wanna be a big boss
I wanna boss the world around
I wanna be the biggest boss that
Ever bossed the world around.
8
This Administration is disgraceful. Every official who praised Trump should be embarrassed. It is sickening.
Please, DJT, go back to Jamaica Estates and remain there.
Please, DJT, go back to Jamaica Estates and remain there.
More Cult than Cabinet meeting?
2
Good God, this man is strange. How can these people go along with this? Have they no decency?
12
One lies, the rest swear to it.
14
Can this man get any more pathetic?! Can we get through just one day without cringe-worthy behavior from this man and his sycophants? Visions of even more power and money have corroded the brains and backbones of the cabinet members, and of the Republican members of Congress. What a sad time for the US.
7
Let us praise banal men (and a woman or two)....it's bad manners to mention this, but I can't help but remember when Bernie Sanders was seeking the nomination and the entire editorial team at the Times, along with the Post and every other liberal news outlet belittled him (when he was mentioned at all) for his odd notions, his fanatical followers, the temerity with which he attacked Mrs. C. So, here is what we have reaped--a room full of sycophants praising the Lord of Misrule. It behooves us liberals to pay a little more attention sometimes, to be a little less smug, else we end up wringing our hands over spectacles like this one.
4
What's next? "Dear leader?" personal loyalty oaths? The impeachment can't happen too soon, Pence notwithstanding.
4
I deeply regret I do not have the time to translate into english a politburo meeting from communist time Romania. Same spirit, different way of worshiping the great leader. Nepotism of this days White House mirrors Ceausescu family style of management.
8
Although used by another world leader, Trump might want to consider the following titles: Great Leader, Wise Leader, Respected Leader, Superior Person, Brilliant Leader, Unique Leader, Father of the People, Guiding Sun Ray
4
With apologies to Boris and Natasha, how about Fearless Leader.
1
Headline - Mike Pence commits political suicide live on national television. The "greatest privilege" of your life is to aid and abet this narcissistic autocrat who demeans women, insults the parents of dead veterans, gives comfort to this country's enemies and has built his administration on nepotism and the jettisoning of every norm of ethical behavior? Please remind me again: what are the conservative Christian values that you claim to represent and uphold?
17
No doubt Trump is ever the entertainer . . . unfortunately he's made his Cabinet part of his show . . . ala Hoody Doody complete with the Peanut Gallery. Truly beyond comprehension that these folks would endure such deep personal embarrassment on behalf of such a fool.
Mussolini-like adulation a go-go. We all know how it went, first for the country and then for him. Not good, not good!
10
Looks like prisoners of war being "asked" to say how much they love their captors.
25
Trump and his cabinet could star in the next "Dumb and Dumber" movie!
10
The striped tie thing ... in Britain, they're always striped in the / direction, like printed "slash". In the USA, they're always "backslash" \ stripes. Except for Donald Trump, who has always worn British-style / slash ties.
When I saw the photo at the head of this article a chill ran down my spine. Is this an actual thing? Are Trump cabinet members really switching their tie-stripes from \ to / to signal their devotion?
When I saw the photo at the head of this article a chill ran down my spine. Is this an actual thing? Are Trump cabinet members really switching their tie-stripes from \ to / to signal their devotion?
7
Is this GROVELING?
Having no back bones makes groveling easier.
Having no back bones makes groveling easier.
14
As much as I despise Schumer (he's merely another center-right thug), he IS funny!
2
Dear NYTimes,
It's eerie- I believe if you look hard enough there's similar footage where Kim Jong-Un meets with members of his cabinet just before he has several them replaced.
So, what will we see next? The cabinet appointees with pencil and notepad in hand, smiling in ecstasy if not weeping uncontrollably over the great leader?
It's eerie- I believe if you look hard enough there's similar footage where Kim Jong-Un meets with members of his cabinet just before he has several them replaced.
So, what will we see next? The cabinet appointees with pencil and notepad in hand, smiling in ecstasy if not weeping uncontrollably over the great leader?
10
This was a truly pathetic display ...
6
I'm so glad we have this ridiculous show of personal fealty to Dear Leader on film.
Future generations will ask "Did we actually have a wannabe tinpot dictator as President"?
"Sadly, Johnnie . . . yes, we did. But then we impeached him."
Future generations will ask "Did we actually have a wannabe tinpot dictator as President"?
"Sadly, Johnnie . . . yes, we did. But then we impeached him."
12
What a pitiful man!
6
The cabinet should hide their heads in shame. This display is cringeworthy.
13
This scene is, of course, right of King Lear, Act I:
LEAR: Which of you shall we say doth love us most
That we our largest bounty may extend
Where nature doth with merit challenge?—Goneril,
Our eldest born, speak first.
with Mike Pence standing in for Goneril.
Unfortunately, there's no Cordelia in this story, to tell the doddering old man the truth.
BTW, Lear's folly doesn't end well for his country.
LEAR: Which of you shall we say doth love us most
That we our largest bounty may extend
Where nature doth with merit challenge?—Goneril,
Our eldest born, speak first.
with Mike Pence standing in for Goneril.
Unfortunately, there's no Cordelia in this story, to tell the doddering old man the truth.
BTW, Lear's folly doesn't end well for his country.
16
Remember all of these names and faces. And remember all of the GOP congresspeople who enable this.
They all need to go, and be reminded of their deeds wherever they go. They have the stench of Donald J Trump on them, and we must never let them clean it off.
They all need to go, and be reminded of their deeds wherever they go. They have the stench of Donald J Trump on them, and we must never let them clean it off.
18
The cabinet members are merely Trump's vassals, all swearing fealty to their king. What is this medieval Europe? Our Constitution was supposed to do away with the idea of a king as the leader of these United States. This is truly sickening!
9
All Hail President Trump! Ubu Roi for the the 21st Century.
5
For someone who doesn't demand a pledge of loyalty, he sure attracts a lot of fawning sycophants.
7
This "king" has no clothes, and it is truly embarrassing to watch supposedly erudite cabinet members proclaiming on the elegance of his wardrobe. Doesn't a single one of them have enough spine to stand up and declare: "This king has no clothes!"
7
This reminds me of clips I have seen, from the thirties onward, where the toadies of mad tyrants all try to outdo each other in their praise.
6
The puppet master yanking their strings?
4
I thought when James Comey testified last week things in this country were pretty frightening, but that was really just the first course. This display around the Cabinet table is truly scary. The only thing missing was bowing down at Trump's feet, but we know that is coming. Surprised Rex Tillerson stooped to this low level with the rest of those fools. I am afraid for my country . We are going down a very dangerous path at the bidding of a narcissistic, uninformed, possibly stupid person. Wake up, America, and take your country back.
13
Tillerson does look a little disturbed.
Pretty sure that's it. I cannot possibly roll my eyes any wider than after reading this. He scarfs up the groveling milktoast from his minions and thinks it is sincere praise. He compares himself to FDR. He calls each of his failures a win - and yes I'm tired of winning, please mister president, no more winning - and three out of every five people in this country think he's doing a poor job as President. Yet, incredibly, he feels vindicated and optimistic and eager to move on to the rest of his agenda. We're watching epic insanity in our own house.
8
This was perhaps the most pathetic example of Trump's insecurity, alarming need for people to like him, and stupidity about what the reaction would be. But we already know this. The larger take-away is the reputation of the obsequious Cabinet members who can be sure they are now, and forever will be, seen as the most incompetent fools in any presidential administration in the history of the country.
17
They all look extremely foolish. It is truly embarrassing having these people "lead" our country.
7
Trump does not realize that he opens himself to parodies such as that by Sen Schumer and his staff. Tha can be seen at
http://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/news/337448-schumer-mocks-tr...
http://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/news/337448-schumer-mocks-tr...
With the exception of Mattis, what I saw was chilling and frankly very, very scary...This banana republic mentality and Trump's CONSTANT need for personal affirmation is downright mental....I was already concerned after that Rose Garden "rally" after the House passed that horrible healthcare bill........At some point, we need to start discussing the mental stability of this President.. And the utter cowardice of most of his cabinet... I am not going to ever pretend that I find him either normal or Presidential..His utter disregard for ALL Americans beyond his voters is a source of profound concern to me...and should be to the rest of the GOP. America, "We have a Problem".......We need to deal with it sooner rather than later.....While we still have that option.
14
These guys are smoking the good stuff, especially the President. Where can we buy some of that stuff?
2
I couldn't watch the entire bizarre spectacle. Were most of them tortured before sitting down at their "cabinet" meeting so that they had to come up with their idiotic praising of # 45? Certainly some of their phraseology seems to suggest this:- Reince Priebus - BLESSING? Oh heavens!
7
This praise- fest reminds me of Goneril and Regan trying to outdo each other in expressing their "love" for King Lear, their father. Where's Cordelia when we need her?
5
Isn't Mike Pence serving as vice president to the American people?
1
No comment.
4
Its the classic case of the Trumperor wearing no clothes, and all the sycophant courtiers praising his beautiful clothes. Sad!
2
He forgot to tell them all to pledge undying loyalty to Dear Leader. That would have been icing on the cake,
What kind of person would do this, let alone a president? Although this article states that Trump did not demand this, it's hard to believe that it was not orchestrated by one of his fawning sycophants. Our whimp-in-chief Mike Pence comes to mind.
And thank you General Mattis for having a backbone.
And thank you General Mattis for having a backbone.
6
How grotesque. I need a shower after watching that cabinet video.
I was once part of a film crew shooting a scene in trump's penthouse on 5th avenue. I thought I'd never seen a more crass, ostentatious to the point of repugnance, disgusting display of superficiality ... until now. I'm really aghast: the outrageous, hyperbolic and ludicrous claims of greatness, the demand for loyalty (is there any better proof that trump asked this of Comey than watching this scene?), and the Cabinet of Curiousities in all their sycophantic glory. Senator Schumer and late night tv hosts had a blast with this great comedic material but really - it's shocking and bizarre and gives more empirical evidence for the various diagnoses of narcissistic personality disorder.
8
Sycophants
That smug look on his face makes me ill. To be honest, everything about Trump makes me ill. How is it those people can sit around a table and gaze lovingly at him (save those that appear to be contemplate their navels)? Where is their distress? Years from now - hopefully not too many years from now - assuming we all survive this debacle of an administration, I want to be among the people who have the opportunity to hold Trump and his minions accountable. Impeachment and banishment seem too simple and clean a response for the damage they are doing.
4
.............."it's a pleasure to serve you, supreme leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Trumpia, Donald J(ong-un) Trump."
17
The video is cringeworthy propaganda. When will the Republican Party get their spines back and act to check this dangerous and incompetent man? He clearly has a serious personality disorder, if not mental illness. We are all in jeopardy as a consequence.
171
Spine transplantation is not a currently available option!
Your U. S. Healthcare provider
Your U. S. Healthcare provider
It should not come as a surprise - no matter how disturbing this is -- that those who agreed to work for Trump would bow down repeatedly and pledge their loyalty and provide the adulation Trump requires.
53
I saw this scene in "The Untouchables." In that case the head guy was walking around with a baseball bat. Otherwise, no difference.
186
I thought SNL was on hiatus.
274
I was raised by a narcissistic mother and quickly learned to flatter her to keep her stable. But I was a child and trying to survive. Can't we expect more from our elected officials? There used to be honor in public service, now it seems that all service is self-serving.
248
There is no honor in serving a narcissistic President. Trump is not your mother. And we do not survive or die at his say so. The reverse. He holds that office unless and until he is impeached, the sooner the better.
1
You point is well taken wallfish, but remember these officials were appointed by Trump, not elected. However we should expect more from purportedly accomplished veteran businessmen and politicians than playing the role of sycophant to Trump. Tillerson, for example, was CEO of Exxon for many years, and has now been reduced to blubbering about how great Trump is, like he is a contestant on The Apprentice.
Well, to be sure, these are NOT elected officials. They were all appointed by Trump, and just the fact that they took the positions in his Cabinet shows them to lack good judgement. This groveling also shows they lack personal integrity.
Time warp! Somehow it is April Fools Day again ...and again ...and again.
51
Did you mean "Groundhog Day"?
NO, "Groundhog Day" was a comedy. This is more along the lines of "Into the Mouth of Madness".
The next step will be to put a throne in the Cabinet Room.
The entire Cabinet will step in front of the throne, kneel , kiss Trump's ring and pledge live long fealty.
What has possessed men and women, exceptig Pence, who had a secure future to class their lots with Trump?
The entire Cabinet will step in front of the throne, kneel , kiss Trump's ring and pledge live long fealty.
What has possessed men and women, exceptig Pence, who had a secure future to class their lots with Trump?
41
So much for the idea the cabinet will save us all by declaring Trump unfit for the office. But it will be entertaining to see Priebus featured by the DPRK news service in exile interviewed about how he had to muster unfettered adulation of our fearless leader or else. But I fear for his relatives left behind in the USA.
46
The only thing missing was Trump being carried in on a throne by his cabinet members.
232
You mean in a golf cart. This guy can't even walk down the hall, not can his cabinet. They're all over the hill, and they never had anything upstairs anyway. The cabinet is a clown car of losers. They're going down, whether they know it or not, whether they like it or not. And the reputation of everyone of them is so badly besmirched they have no respect outside the propaganda machine.
That will be next.
Please refrain from giving him such new ideas!
1
Will every cabinet meeting in the future begin the same way? Will there be a Kool-Aid toast at the end as well?
28
I strongly support the kool aid toast!
I'm taken aback by this ugly pandering to the Supreme Leader. How could everyone but Mattis throw their dignity to the winds and worship Trump as they did? One of the more amazing things I've ever witnessed!
173
Yes, things are going well for a group of mostly white, mostly male, mostly very rich privileged people who do not care about climate change, wildlife protection, wilderness areas, civil rights, the environment, workplace safety, reasonable gun restrictions, health care, reining in abusive business practices, governmental ethics...
212
What does the color of their skin have to do with it? This is so disingenuous.. and tiring and it needs to stop...
1
Some day in the future when Lin Manuel Miranda produces "Trump - A musical Comedy" - this will be the basis for the pivotal scene in which the transgender and multi-racial cast that portrays the cabinet will sing the hit song "They Love Me"
The unique aspect of this song is that the cabinet will be singing it in D Minor while the President (played by an immigrant of Muslim decent) hears it in D Major
The unique aspect of this song is that the cabinet will be singing it in D Minor while the President (played by an immigrant of Muslim decent) hears it in D Major
83
Robert Mueller should interview the whole Cabinet, under oath , and ask about that loyalty to the "king" pledge. Anyone see a pattern here? Double down.
49
Mueller need only request that trump turn over all of the "Confidentiality" Agreements each was required to sign.
1
Too bad SNL is on hiatus......Oh and the words "embarrassing" and "cringe- worthy" come to mind.
36
Here are some of your "accomplishments":
1. Travel ban. Strike three. You're out!
2. Repeal Obamacare. Didn't happen.
3. New Healthcare system. Not passed yet and not likely to.
4. Infrastructure. You're joking, right?
5. Tax reform. Dead on arrival.
6. The Wall. Didn't happen and isn't going to happen. And Mexico isn't gonna pay for it.
7. Destroy the presidency, weaken and endanger the united states? Mission accomplished.
Now you can get back to pretending you're not a russian puppet.
1. Travel ban. Strike three. You're out!
2. Repeal Obamacare. Didn't happen.
3. New Healthcare system. Not passed yet and not likely to.
4. Infrastructure. You're joking, right?
5. Tax reform. Dead on arrival.
6. The Wall. Didn't happen and isn't going to happen. And Mexico isn't gonna pay for it.
7. Destroy the presidency, weaken and endanger the united states? Mission accomplished.
Now you can get back to pretending you're not a russian puppet.
340
While it is possible that he isn't a Russian puppet, it is inconceivable that he is POTUS. And I do know what that word means.
"Here are some of your "accomplishments":"
You forgot defeating ISIS within 30 days.
You forgot defeating ISIS within 30 days.
1
And at the end of the session they all stood and saluted the leader.
27
Nicolae Ceausescu and Donald Trump -- no photos of the two of them together? It makes one wonder.
49
It was deeply embarrassing to watch the cabinet members play a round of "How Great Thou Art" as Trump was so obviously gloating. How did our country get to this point?
76
A normal person would not even enjoy such a show of false praise. I am ashamed for all of them. What are they so afraid of that they would humiliate themselves in this way? This does not look like America.
2
Yea, but they've already done this in private! That's how they got the seat at the table. BUT sicko wanted us to see them graval in public.
The narcissistic Trump in full display. One can’t help but remember our childhood story of the Emperor’s New Clothes. I can’t decide which is the worst: watching Trump smiling as he listened to each cabinet member proclaim his “fake” greatness or watching each cabinet extol his “fake” achievements. It made me cringe to watch them all in this whole charade televised to millions of people. But alas, until one of these cabinet members or any in the GOP leadership stand up for the truth, cry out loud that the “Emperor has no clothes,” the procession of Trump lies will go on.
72
Praise Trump, from Whom all blessings flow...
35
How very Kim Jong-un of him . . .
83
Kim Jong-Trump.
A thoroughly disgusting and disgraceful spectacle that was nothing less than an insult to the intelligence of the American people, as well as an embarrassment to this country abroad. The whole lot of them should be ashamed of themselves. He really believes that people do not see what is going on.
44
In that whole cabinet there is not one person of integrity to stand up and say no?
What a shameful and humiliating display. I am sorry for those people and for our country.
What a shameful and humiliating display. I am sorry for those people and for our country.
46
Mattis and Tillerson appear drugged.
1
Did I just wake up in North Korea?
94
When Trump was elected, I expected incompetence, impetuous decision-making, an agenda that was overly cozy with his empire. But I didn't anticipate creepy. And this is getting creepy.
159
Oh, I've been expecting it. But it's unnerving to see things that I thought were alarmist last fall starting to happen.
1
Kim Jong Un has met his match.
64
All hail Clueless Leader Kim Jong-Trump!
32
- this what absolutely beautiful and Wonder Woman -(who I saw yesterday) is nothing - I telly gus NUTHING compared to our 'Dear Leader' and let me totally outdo Reince Priebus, I hardly can thank the US President for the opportunity and the blessing to serve his agenda in firstly now saving Europe from 'his kind' - and I#m pretty sure he sooner or later also will save the whole wide USA from him too!
He is soooo 'cute'!
He is soooo 'cute'!
4
It is an honor and a blessing to read the Times. This is the best article in the best newspaper ever.
47
And that is the truest, most profound comment ever made; it was an honor and a pleasure to read it.
2
Was this was an emergency re-inflation?
16
This reads like something one would hear at a cabinet meeting in North Korea.
31
Just a little vignette of the daily genuflection required of White House staffers who are on the government payroll in the Trump administration. The real insanity is that DJT believes them!
31
Is this the 21st Century version of The Emperor's New Clothes? The Stepford Wives (Cabinet)?
What so scary is this President is becoming so insulated and isolated that whatever grasp for his responsibilities and on reality that he had is all being eroded away
What so scary is this President is becoming so insulated and isolated that whatever grasp for his responsibilities and on reality that he had is all being eroded away
28
This is a staged piece of propaganda aimed at his supporters. Anyone paying attention would realize that this is nothing but spurious hogwash!
We're on a perilous path...
We're on a perilous path...
49
Absolutely ridiculous display of false pronouncements . There was not the first indication of sincerity or joy from a single member . Why was no one smiling ? Would you if you were forced to make a testimonial you did not believe . This president and cabinet are dangerous to all Americans .
55
Really? Going well...where? A true narcissist in every sense of the word. Trump has accomplished nothing and his cabinet members seem to be "yes men" who were installed to stroke his ego. The only thing this administration has brought to the table is chaos. But for Trump, that is probably a significant - although not substantive - accomplishment.
34
Enablers.
40
And sycophants.
1
"Fifty-nine percent disapprove of the job he is doing as president...with only 36 percent approving.
*Only* 36 percents of the populace are raving lunatics.
*Only* 36 percents of the populace are raving lunatics.
43
The behavior of every member of the cabinet, with the exception of Mr. Mattis, is repulsive. What's the next step for this administration, the firing of Mr. Mueller and the firing on protestors by the Army? The Republican Congress cheering them on? The US, once the leading proponent of democracy, now the most powerful authoritarian state in the world? I've been watching politics for 50 years and I've never been so saddened and disgusted by the behavior of people who are supposed to be our representatives.
72
So bazaar. If I didn't know better, I would say this cabinet meeting took place in North Korea and not the United States.
25
A scripted Cabinet meeting for the cameras? Sounds like the move of an unhinged, desperate man with no grip on reality.
Day after day, I wait for a voice of reason from the GOP to speak out against the irresponsible, destructive behavior that is shredding the fabric of this nation. I am not holding my breath. This display of adulation for a "president" who has done absolutely nothing to propel the US to a stronger place is ludicrous. What's frightening is that it will very likely play brilliantly with his base.
Day after day, I wait for a voice of reason from the GOP to speak out against the irresponsible, destructive behavior that is shredding the fabric of this nation. I am not holding my breath. This display of adulation for a "president" who has done absolutely nothing to propel the US to a stronger place is ludicrous. What's frightening is that it will very likely play brilliantly with his base.
62
I read somewhere that once the 'golden city' would fall, then it would mean the end of the world. Here goes! And it's all Kim Jong-Trump's doing.
1
This was a picture of a sick man and his sycophants. Only tyrannical leaders like the head of North Korea or Idi Amin or Roman emperors or supreme monarchs demand this kind of personal praise. Trump sat there beaming, obviously needing to hear two hours of flattery.
The Cabinet members debased themselves. Trump is a narcissist and supreme egoist, but normal people would never act like this. He must have sought out people who had been abused the way a predator seeks new victims, or those with low self esteem, or those willing to enable and worship a cult leader. Most people have too much self respect to ever act like this. It shows a different side of Pence, the generals, and everyone else.
Not only did they sell their souls to the devil, but there is something inherently and deeply flawed in them that they would sink to this level. A charismatic authoritarian leader who demands complete loyalty and devotion, psychological isolation, thought reform methods, inside language, an us vs. them mentality, deception, total control over others' daily lives. Following a man who bragged about being able to shoot someone on Fifth Avenue and not lose supporters.
This matches the characteristics of cult behavior. Is Trump's America now a doomsday cult, a Trumptown? Will he force his followers to drink Kool-Aid?
The Cabinet members debased themselves. Trump is a narcissist and supreme egoist, but normal people would never act like this. He must have sought out people who had been abused the way a predator seeks new victims, or those with low self esteem, or those willing to enable and worship a cult leader. Most people have too much self respect to ever act like this. It shows a different side of Pence, the generals, and everyone else.
Not only did they sell their souls to the devil, but there is something inherently and deeply flawed in them that they would sink to this level. A charismatic authoritarian leader who demands complete loyalty and devotion, psychological isolation, thought reform methods, inside language, an us vs. them mentality, deception, total control over others' daily lives. Following a man who bragged about being able to shoot someone on Fifth Avenue and not lose supporters.
This matches the characteristics of cult behavior. Is Trump's America now a doomsday cult, a Trumptown? Will he force his followers to drink Kool-Aid?
86
trump, as he repeatedly demonstrates, is the master gaslighter and propagandist. Congratulations to putin.
4
The cabinet member comments are so transparently obsequious, they actually may be coded cries for help.
40
The emperor has no clothes...
21
I could watch only a bit of this ridiculous theater-- it was so embarrassing to watch people with such power acting so craven. Sickening. Are we in some banana republic now? Much evidence points that way.
45
Can the NYT please address him by his proper title: Dear Leader. President is so not up to the task of the best person ever to hold this job.
25
"But the meeting still struck White House officials of past administrations as odd." .... ya THINK???
33
I never realized how depressing life Mike Pence had had.
23
We'll get the same reaction after Trump is ousted. The Deep State and media (redundant?) will applaud themselves, but there will be 330 million people whose eyes have just been opened.