Did Donald Trump just quit?
Donald Trump seems to have concluded that his illegitimate presidency is over, and if so, it may be about to end not with a bang but with a proverbial whimper. Now that Michael Flynn is negotiating a plea deal against him in the Russia scandal, Trump suddenly seems to be throwing in the towel. His sudden desire to get his family members to leave Washington DC, the remarks he appears to be making to confidantes, and even his own latest tweet all suggest Trump may have just quit on the presidency.
On their own, each of these pieces would only elicit a moment of head scratching. But when placed in context of each other, they appear to tell a much more convincing story. First we got word this week that Donald Trump is actively trying to convince Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner to resign from the White House and move back to New York City (link). Why would he do this? Even though he never takes her advice, he can’t function without Ivanka at his side.
Then came another clue when Donald Trump’s ex-wife Ivana began pushing the narrative yesterday that Donald is “exhausted” and that he misses his “old life.” (link). We know that the two of them still talk. Where would she suddenly get this oddly specific narrative from, unless she got it directly from him? It feels like even more groundwork being laid. Then came the big clue that put it all in context.
Donald Trump tweeted this on Sunday night: “Since the first day I took office, all you hear is the phony Democrat excuse for losing the election, Russia, Russia, Russia. Despite this I have the economy booming and have possibly done more than any 10 month President. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!” So after spending all year ignoring the Russia scandal, he’s finally talking about it – and he’s claiming that his ten month presidency is a raging success. Why even talk in those terms, unless he’s in the process of deciding to walk away?
