Bannon – Kushner
We have posted articles and our own commentary both raising concerns and downplaying concerns about the direction of the Trump administration’s internal dynamics. The usual suspects are trying to aggravate any inkling of a rift within and seem to be focused for now on White House Chief Strategist Steve Bannon, bête noire of liberals and Republican establishment. Nevertheless concerns are valid if the direction is not what we bargained for, not an improvement.
The fuel for some of the back and forth involves Bannon’s attendance “membership” at the National Security Council. We previously emphasized what we considered a reliable report that it was much ado (in the particular case) about something understood from the beginning to be in the cards. That information was reaffirmed by the new head of the NSC.
McMaster on Bannon Being Removed From NSC: It’s ‘Not as Significant as it Appears’
He continued: “I think what the president was doing was making clear that he is going — in terms of permanent membership on the National Security Council — to have those permanent members who are there for every meeting … to be those who will give him their advice on the long-term interests of the American people.”
McMaster dismissed the notion that it is “inappropriate” to have a political adviser in a role on the NSC, saying that it’s OK for Trump “to have in that role whoever the president wants in that role.”
“Steve Bannon provides the president with advice on a broad range of issues and will continue to do so,” he said.
Bannon had only attended one meeting, he still can sit in whenever he wants and advise the President on relevant matters. Nothing has substantially changed in that regard that we are aware.
The influence of Presidential son in law Jared Kushner (that is his main portfolio as far as I can tell) — no length of service on policy development, no confidence building track record, writings, studies, serious commentary on policy matters — is a different matter. It is one thing to be the President’s trusted eyes and ears on matters Kushner has some expertise in, but his role seems to be inordinate. People like Bannon had far more to do with bringing Trump to the presidency, possessing a feel for the blue collar electorate that propelled Trump, than 36 year-old Kushner.
If you have not seen or read about this, you should (excerpt in bold our emphasis)
Kassem Eid survived the 2013 chemical attack in Syria. As someone who has seen the government’s horror firsthand, he is one of many Syrians who are overjoyed at the Trump administration’s response to the most recent chemical attack. . . .
“I didn’t see you raising your voice against President Obama’s inaction in Syria that led us refugees, that made us refugees get kicked out of Syria. If you really care about refugees, if you really care about helping us, please, help us stay in our in our country.”
Eid again commended Trump for the airstrike and urged him to take more action so that Assad’s power can be eclipsed and Syrians can stay in their country.
All refugees (and their champions) first responsibility is change in the country of origin as compared to demanding or presuming permanent residence in other countries. Return for people admitted under that special status should be understood or we (and Europe) will never have sustainable orderly immigration.
And now for a funny interlude: (thanks to DP)
Chuck Schumer searching for Nancy Pelosi’s brain.
