How Donald Trump’s ‘Extraordinary’ 24 Hours ‘Dragged The Presidency Into The Gutter’<\/b><\/p>\n
Friday was Martin Luther King Jr Day in the United States, so it was sadly ironic the country\u2019s leader marked it by facing accusations he is a racist who is dragging the presidency and America\u2019s moral standing \u201cinto the gutter\u201d.<\/p>\n
\nDonald Trump\u2019s day so far:<\/p>\n
– Yep he said \u201cshithole\u201d
– Sen. Dick Durbin confirms it
– \u201cTrump is a racist\u201d is trending
– U.S. Ambassador to Panama quits
– Trump doesn\u2019t have a U.S. Ambassador to Haiti
– Vows to record WH meetings
– Worked out well for Nixon
– It\u2019s still only 11am<\/p>\n\u2014 Palmer Report (@PalmerReport) January 12, 2018<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n
Even among all the incredible events that have marked the first year of Donald Trump\u2019s presidency,\u00a0according to one expert in international relations, these 24 hours stand out as \u201cextraordinary\u201d, and could fundamentally change global politics – and America\u2019s position in the world.<\/p>\n
\u201cI hesitate to say it couldn\u2019t get any worse because you never know,\u201d\u00a0Dr Rod Abouharb, an international relations professor at University College London told HuffPost UK.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is another example of Donald Trump turning his back on the traditional role of US President as leader of the Free World.\u201d<\/p>\n
THE \u2018SHITHOLE COUNTRIES\u2019<\/h4>\n
Trump is no stranger to accusations of racism but his flippant comments allegedly made on Thursday and his subsequent reaction stand out.<\/p>\n
The President was reportedly being informed of the impact of immigrants from Haiti and African nations during a meeting with lawmakers when he reportedly asked:\u00a0<\/p>\n
Why are we having all these people from shithole countries come here?<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
THE DENIAL<\/h4>\n
\n\nThe language used by me at the DACA meeting was tough, but this was not the language used. What was really tough was the outlandish proposal made – a big setback for DACA!<\/p>\n
\u2014 Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 12, 2018<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n
\n\nNever said anything derogatory about Haitians other than Haiti is, obviously, a very poor and troubled country. Never said \u201ctake them out.\u201d Made up by Dems. I have a wonderful relationship with Haitians. Probably should record future meetings – unfortunately, no trust!<\/p>\n
\u2014 Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 12, 2018<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n
THE CONTRADICTIONS<\/h4>\n
Unfortunately for Trump, a number of sources had already tacitly acknowledged the language used, not least the White House itself.<\/p>\n
\n\nStatement from @rajshah45<\/a> on WaPo “shithole” story, via @JaxAlemany<\/a>pic.twitter.com\/fY6yDTCeRZ<\/a><\/p>\n
\u2014 Stefan Becket (@becket) January 11, 2018<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n
Shortly after Trump\u2019s denial, Democratic Senator Dick Durbin<\/a>, who was at the meeting,\u00a0told reporters Trump used \u201cvile, vulgar\u201d language, including repeatedly using the word \u201cshithole\u201d when speaking about African countries.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\n\nI cannot believe that in the history of the White House, in that Oval Office, any president has ever spoken the words that I personally heard our president speak yesterday. President Trump said things that were hate-filled, vile, and racist. He used those words repeatedly. pic.twitter.com\/6gHW5cLVvU<\/a><\/p>\n
\u2014 Senator Dick Durbin (@SenatorDurbin) January 12, 2018<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n
THE AWKWARD REPUBLICAN RESPONSE\u00a0<\/h4>\n
While Durbin had no qualms about confirming what he said, Republican lawmakers who were also presently conveniently \u201ccould not recall\u201d<\/a> events despite them happening less than 24 hours before.<\/p>\n
\n\nIn regards to Sen. Durbin\u2019s accusation, @SenTomCotton<\/a> and I do not recall the President saying these comments specifically but what he did call<\/a> out was the imbalance in our current immigration system, which does not protect American workers and our national interest. pic.twitter.com\/yO2WF11Of3<\/a><\/p>\n
\u2014 David Perdue (@sendavidperdue) January 12, 2018<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n
\n\nApparently, “do not recall” is the new ?\u200d\u2642\ufe0f t.co\/vphJ20KAYy<\/a><\/p>\n
\u2014 JackiSchechner (@JackiSchechner) January 12, 2018<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n
THE SASSY DICTIONARY<\/h4>\n
The Merriam-Webster dictionary has not hidden its disdain for the current President<\/a>, so it\u2019s unlikely its choice for Friday\u2019s word of the day was an accident.<\/p>\n
\n\nGood morning! Today’s #WordOfTheDay<\/a> is ‘reprehensible’ t.co\/El0bYnVNaA<\/a>pic.twitter.com\/9guWRJEkXO<\/a><\/p>\n
\u2014 Merriam-Webster (@MerriamWebster) January 12, 2018<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n
However, having already offended most of the developing world, it appeared Trump was only just getting started.<\/p>\n
THE UK CONNECTION<\/h4>\n
Running parallel to the racism row was another which gave a heavy hint as to the repercussions Trump\u2019s loose lips and preference for Twitter diplomacy can have outside America.<\/p>\n
Back on this side of the Atlantic news was breaking<\/a> that the president had cancelled a planned visit to open the US embassy in London in February amid fears protestors would mar the trip.<\/p>\n
THE SECOND DENIAL AND THE FALSEHOODS<\/h4>\n
True to form, Trump gain disputed this version of events and listed his own reasons.<\/p>\n
\n\nReason I canceled my trip to London is that I am not a big fan of the Obama Administration having sold perhaps the best located and finest embassy in London for \u201cpeanuts,\u201d only to build a new one in an off location for 1.2 billion dollars. Bad deal. Wanted me to cut ribbon-NO!<\/p>\n
\u2014 Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 12, 2018<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n
.. which were swiftly debunked<\/a>.<\/p>\n
\n
- The decision to move the embassy move predated Obama.<\/li>\n
- The US didn\u2019t own the land the old embassy sits on.<\/li>\n
- It\u2019s not as simple as the embassy being bought for\u00a0\u201cpeanuts.\u201d<\/li>\n
- The embassy\u2019s current location is hardly, as Trump claimed, \u201cthe finest.\u201d<\/li>\n
- The new embassy is hardly in an \u201coff location.\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
The US embassy in London itself later released an unprecedented tweet that was a thinly-veiled attack on Trump\u2019s own assertions.<\/p>\n
\n\nAmazing. The US Embassy has issued its own statement this evening apparently correcting the US President on the building costs. pic.twitter.com\/Mif9WfYBxO<\/a><\/p>\n
\u2014 Carl Dinnen (@carldinnen) January 12, 2018<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n
Not that Brits were fooled anyway.<\/p>\n
\n\nNope it\u2019s because nobody wanted you to come. And you got the message. t.co\/9xV7bFZQgL<\/a><\/p>\n
\u2014 Ed Miliband (@Ed_Miliband) January 12, 2018<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n
\n\nMany Londoners have made it clear that Donald Trump is not welcome here while he is pursuing such a divisive agenda. It seems he\u2019s finally got that message. This reinforces what a mistake it was for Theresa May to rush and extend an invitation of a state visit in the first place. pic.twitter.com\/lNaQGx9iBw<\/a><\/p>\n
\u2014 Mayor of London (@MayorofLondon) January 12, 2018<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n
BORIS PARROTS TRUMP<\/h4>\n
Trump may be one-of-a-kind but we do have Boris Johnson, whose use of English is arguably almost as notorious.<\/p>\n
\n\nThe US is the biggest single investor in the UK – yet Khan & Corbyn seem determined to put this crucial relationship at risk. We will not allow US-UK relations to be endangered by some puffed up pompous popinjay in City Hall.<\/p>\n
\u2014 Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) January 12, 2018<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n
Johnson branded Sadiq Khan a \u201cpuffed up pompous popinjay\u201d in response to the London Mayor welcoming Trump\u2019s decision to stay home.<\/p>\n
The Foreign Secretary used his own brand of Twitter diplomacy to launch an astonishing attack on his City Hall predecessor, just hours after Khan said Trump had \u201cgot the message\u201d from that he isn\u2019t welcome in London.<\/p>\n
That forced Number 10 to issue its own clarification, claiming the Foreign Secretary was speaking in a political capacity.\u00a0<\/p>\n
When asked if the Prime Minister was concerned that Khan was damaging the \u2018special relationship\u2019, the Downing Street spokesman replied: \u201cNo, the US and the UK are natural, resilient and strong partners and allies and we do more together than any two countries in the world.<\/p>\n
THE FALLOUT<\/h4>\n
Speaking on Channel 4 News on Friday evening, Ed Miliband said Trump had dragged the presidency \u201cinto the gutter\u201d.<\/p>\n
\u201cAmerica\u2019s moral standing, as well as America\u2019s political standing, is under severe (strain),\u201d the former Labour leader said.<\/p>\n
This was encapsulated in the response from Botswana\u2019s Ministry of International Affairs, which formally asked the US to clarify if it is regarded as a \u201cshithole country\u201d.<\/p>\n
\n\nPress Release of the Month. pic.twitter.com\/ArMLwFW4Cs<\/a><\/p>\n
\u2014 ian bremmer (@ianbremmer) January 12, 2018<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n
But UCL\u2019s Dr Abouharb told HuffPost UK that Trump\u2019s behaviour was more damaging to America and its interests, than simply causing offence. The past 24 hours could fundamentally change global politics.<\/p>\n
\u2033[These type of comments] make it more difficult for him to form coalitions at places like the UN and to get allies and partners to cooperate on the most pressing issues at the moment.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn terms of the Iran nuclear deal – if he was hoping to persuade any of the other countries on this, I think this type of behaviour just makes others even less willing to listen to him.<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd if he\u2019s hoping to persuade other countries with the Paris climate change agreement or renegotiating the NAFTA [North American Free Trade Agreement] which is next on the list, I think the Canadians and the Mexicans will be even less willing to listen to his demands than they were before.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
\n\nPresident of Senegal: “I am shocked by the words of President Trump on Haiti and Africa. I reject them and condemn them vigorously. Africa and the black race deserves the respect and consideration of all.” pic.twitter.com\/vRHa3axXoN<\/a><\/p>\n
\u2014 NBC News (@NBCNews) January 12, 2018<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n
\n\nIt\u2019s not how a president should speak. It\u2019s not how a president should behave. Most of all, it\u2019s not what a president should believe. We\u2019re better than this.<\/p>\n
\u2014 Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) January 12, 2018<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n
\nEven the United Nations, an organisation that rarely raises its voice, the reaction was swift and to the point.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
\n\u201cThere is no other word one can use but \u2018racist\u2019,\u201d UN human rights spokesman Rupert Colville said. \u201cYou cannot dismiss entire countries and continents as \u2018shitholes\u2019 whose entire populations, who are not white, are therefore not welcome.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Congressman\u00a0John Lewis<\/a>, a giant of the civil rights movement Dr Martin Luther King Jr fostered, said<\/a>: \u201cIt\u2019s frightening to have someone in the office of the president in 2018 speaking the way that he\u2019s speaking.<\/p>\n
\u2033[His]\u00a0words and his actions tend to speak like one who knows something about being a racist.\u00a0It must in his DNA, in his makeup.\u201d<\/p>\n
THE FUTURE<\/h4>\n
Doubts about the cognitive ability of Trump to hold the most powerful office in the world are only intensifying after his bizarre outburst in the wake of Michael Wolff\u2019s explosive insider account of the White House<\/a>.<\/p>\n
\n\n….to President of the United States (on my first try). I think that would qualify as not smart, but genius….and a very stable genius at that!<\/p>\n
\u2014 Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 6, 2018<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n
A group of 27 prominent mental health professionals are already calling for Trump to undergo a mental evaluation and have published a series of essays titled \u201cThe Dangerous Case of Donald Trump<\/a>\u2033.<\/em><\/p>\n
In an article for Politico, lead author, Bandy Lee, said Trump\u2019s \u201cmental state presented a danger to the public\u201d and they have a\u00a0\u201cduty to warn them\u201d.<\/p>\n
THE DIAGNOSIS<\/h4>\n
At the moment there isn\u2019t one – not of Trump\u2019s mental capacity, at least, although he did undergo a physical exam on Friday.<\/p>\n
The results are to be briefed to the public on Tuesday, but according to a White House statement released last night Trump is \u201cin excellent health\u201d.<\/p>\n
\n\nWhite House doctor says Trump \u201cis in excellent health\u201d. pic.twitter.com\/V6Z559z9et<\/a><\/p>\n
\u2014 Philip Crowther (@PhilipinDC) January 12, 2018<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n
Although…<\/p>\n
\n\nSo, whoever actually wrote this misspelled the doctor’s name, which is “Ronny.” t.co\/m93omztb2z<\/a><\/p>\n
\u2014 Like, totally the stablest genius (@twynklebat) January 12, 2018<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n
\nwww.huffingtonpost.co.uk\/entry\/donald-trump-gutter_uk_5a58f4c3e4b04f3c55a23dde<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
How Donald Trump’s ‘Extraordinary’ 24 Hours ‘Dragged The Presidency Into The Gutter’ Friday was Martin Luther King Jr Day in the United States, so it was sadly ironic the country\u2019s leader marked it by facing accusations he is a racist who is dragging the presidency and America\u2019s moral standing \u201cinto the gutter\u201d. Donald Trump\u2019s day … Continue reading How Donald Trump’s ‘Extraordinary’ 24 Hours ‘Dragged The Presidency Into The Gutter’<\/span>