Evidence points to the former, but I sure hope that I'm shown to be wrong and that it really was the latter all along. Time will tell (i.e., post midterm firings).
Naw, he’s just incompetent, frightened, not very bright, and trusts the wrong people. He’s easily played, and it happens lots. He’s in far over his head, and knows it. But selfish pride prevents him doing something about it.
Dumb Deer In The Head Lights.