“How do you identify thousands of people who are eventually found to be bad actors, and how do you find the right people to replace them with?”
I have believed all along that this was Trump’s biggest mistake. He had no idea how many deep state ers were out to get him.
First, I believe Admiral Rogers told Trump back in November 2016 that Trump was being spied on. Trump moved his transition team to N.J. the next day. So, Trump was aware the IC was out to get him. Hence the famous Sen. Shumer statement to Rachael Maddow on January 3rd, 2017, “ The IC has six ways from Sunday to get you.”
Perhaps it was a big mistake to kick Chris Cristie off the transition team, for personal reasons. Like him or hate him, Christie knew all the players, and might have had insight on who to trust.
When Guiliani turned down A.G., Trump should have twisted his arm, and got him to take the position on a temporary basis, just until everything settled down. Of course, Joe Digenova also would have made a good A.G.
Who recommended Chris Wray and Gina Haspel to Trump? They are just as deep state as the people they replaced. Clearly, Trump didn’t think that all the way through. I have a feeling the wishy washy Republicans convinced Trump that these two were the only people they could get through confirmation.
I have been thinking about what Trump could have done better for a long time. Unfortunately, he is fighting the entire establishment, and that is an uphill battle.
Also, Trump a big mistake in firing Flynn. I think it was Sally Yates who made him do that. Did Trump really think he could placate the deep state? Imagine if Flynn had stayed in his position. Flynn could have fleshed out a lot of corruption. Admiral Rogers also could have helped if he stayed on.
Well said.
I was dismayed that he did not follow the precedent of William Clinton by firing 100% of Federal Attorneys on Day One. I knew what would happen - and it did.
Donald Trump is a negotiator. His mistake was in thinking he could do the Art of the Deal with people who have no honor; so, he included Swamp Experts like Reince Priebus, and we see what ensued.
There are many lawyers more patriotic and honorable outside the District of Corruption. Having politically-connected associates is useless, if those connections are only used to undermine him.
Perhaps it was a big mistake to kick Chris Cristie off the transition team, for personal reasons. Like him or hate him, Christie knew all the players, and might have had insight on who to trust.
Didn’t Christie recommend that snake Wray? What a mess.
Obviously, Trump has had lying advisors, masquerading as conservatives, from day one. I hope they’ve finally been removed, but who knows?