* “The Framers did not vest any part of the taxing power in the Executive Branch.”– That was Chief Justice John Roberts after SCOTUS struck down Trump’s tariffs.
* True that: “Only those Americans with no knowledge or who are self-deluded celebrate the start of the presidency of Donald John Trump, the most unqualified man ever to be elected to our highest office.” That was former Nixon White House counsel John Dean, on the day of Trump’s initial inauguration.
* The Trumpocalypse has distorted so much about America—its constitution, its ideals, its rule of law, its global reputation, that we forget that we still have a tool box. Impeachment hasn’t worked, but there’s still the 25th Amendment. But it would take a country-first, vertebrate cabinet to employ it.
* The Big BOPPER: Trump’s Board of Peace members–Egypt, Israel, Turkey, Cambodia—each ponied up $1 billion to join. Sounds more Ponzi than peace-mongering.
* Donroe Doctrine: Encouraged, to to speak, by President Trump, the government of Guatamala is phasing out its use of Cuban doctors. The program has long provided valued income for Cuba.
* Iran-attack assessment: “Well done, Mr. President.”—Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S,C,
* “Presidential graffiti”: How House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries labeled Trump’s renaming efforts.
* Trump legacy update: For the record, the under-construction gilded ballroom that’s replacing the razed East Wing, will actually be larger than the White House itself.
* “Elements might endure, but the MAGA movement is at heart a cult of personality unlikely to outlast its singular leader for very long in its existing form.”—Michelle Cottle, NYT.
* “This is a political investment, not a for-profit movie venture.”—David A. Gross, a film consultant on the documentary-infomercial “Melania.”
* DOGE reality: The IRS has more than 25% fewer staffers than last tax season.