Trump's Venezuela Vendetta

[Sheilbh]

I guess what's good about Trump is he goes back on his word/deals constantly.

Saw some reports today that Trump's back to thinking Putin is an obstacle to a Ukraine deal (I think he's right - I don't think Russia wants a deal). There's already the US pressure on Indian tariffs over India buying Russian oil and now a couple of seizures of shadow fleet ships - apparently they might try to put more pressure on Putin.

Now obviously it would only take another phone call with Putin to change that - followed by months of European diplomacy pretending to go along with Trump and position Putin as the problem.

It's exhausting. But as you say ultimately what he says is kind of only ever temporarily meaningful.

[The Minsky Moment]

Again via Blas at the White House meeting on Venezuelan oil Trump basically told Conoco to forget about the $12 billion the company is owned by Venezuela ("welll....good write off").

Today Trump's issued an executive ord to shield Venezuelan oil revnue in the US from creditors.

It is all interesting.

After ranting about Venezuela stealing from the oil companies, Trump himself just did exactly that.

Then, despite assurances that the US is running Venezuela, the State Dept issued an alert for all American nationals to flee the country as paramilitaries on the streets are searching for Americans.

The shit show continues . . .

[The Minsky Moment]

It's exhausting. But as you say ultimately what he says is kind of only ever temporarily meaningful.

There is no one at the tiller.  There is no NSA.  Gabbard is MIA. Trump is confused and addled and lurches back-and-forth depending on who spoke to him at last.  Policy formation to the extent it exists appears to be coming mostly from Miller, which would explain the otherwise inexplicable presence of a deputy chief of staff at a conference announcing a major overseas military operation.  Policy execution appears to be completely formless and driven by Trump's mood in a given moment and the motives of whoever manages to get access and shove a paper in front of him to sign.

[Tonitrus]

I waver between whether Miller is a Grima Wormtounge or a Bib Fortuna.

Though Trump is a geriatric Jabba in either case.

[Jacob]

I waver between whether Miller is a Grima Wormtounge or a Bib Fortuna.

Though Trump is a geriatric Jabba in either case.

He's a random EUOT Byzanteen or HOItard who lucked into a job where his inane racist alt-history takes gets turned into policy.