Calvin Trillin

Verse Columnist

Calvin Trillin is The Nation’s “deadline poet.”

Why Trump Released a Transcript That Revealed Him Committing a Crime

Why Trump Released a Transcript That Revealed Him Committing a Crime Why Trump Released a Transcript That Revealed Him Committing a Crime

The call, he said, was proved proper. He’s called it “perfect” all along. That’s just more proof, if more were needed: He can’t distinguish right from wrong.

Oct 29, 2019 / Column / Calvin Trillin

On Trump Asking China to Investigate the Bidens

On Trump Asking China to Investigate the Bidens On Trump Asking China to Investigate the Bidens

“You really do believe he was serious?” —Representative Jim Jordan (R-OH) on ABC’s This Week Jim Jordan has said that it’s clear That this was a joke Trump contrived— Which makes i…

Oct 15, 2019 / Column / Calvin Trillin

Trump conspiracy theory

Trump’s Defense Trump’s Defense

The transcript, he says, is the proof The phone call was really all right, Since who would be brazen enough To do something wrong in plain sight? Any guesses?…

Oct 8, 2019 / Column / Calvin Trillin

Donald Trump UN General Assembly

Trump Says Ukraine Call Was ‘Perfectly Fine and Routine’ Trump Says Ukraine Call Was ‘Perfectly Fine and Routine’

Yes, of course, I discussed Biden’s son, And, like everything else I have done As I manage this well-oiled machine, It was perfectly fine and routine. Yes, of course, Stormy Daniel…

Oct 1, 2019 / Column / Calvin Trillin

Trump Air Force One

New Air Force Anthem New Air Force Anthem

“Air Force says it sent crews to Trump’s Scottish resort up to 40 times.” —Politico Off we go into the wild blue yonder, Foreign threats ready to quell. As we fly, we begin to pon…

Sep 24, 2019 / Column / Calvin Trillin

Trump Sharpie

His Trusty Sharpie Pen His Trusty Sharpie Pen

Mistaken on the path the storm might take, Unable to acknowledge a mistake, He got a map of Dorian, and then He fixed it with his trusty Sharpie pen. So, soon will he show pictures…

Sep 17, 2019 / Column / Calvin Trillin

abbott el paso shooting

Politicians Respond to Mass Shootings Politicians Respond to Mass Shootings

The pols all offer thoughts and prayers To comfort those still living. Their thoughts concern the NRA, Their prayers that it keeps giving.

Sep 10, 2019 / Column / Calvin Trillin

Omar Tlaib trump netanyahu

Trump Pressures Israel to Deny Entry to Two Members of Congress Trump Pressures Israel to Deny Entry to Two Members of Congress

A president’s powers should not be employed To get back at people with whom he’s annoyed. But this one’s so eager to punish his foes, he May next send the troops in to capture Pelo…

Aug 27, 2019 / Column / Calvin Trillin

John Ratcliffe Congress Mueller

John Ratcliffe as a Director of National Intelligence Nominee John Ratcliffe as a Director of National Intelligence Nominee

He was loyal to Trump, thus the White House was sure He was right for the post he’d be getting. But his résumé, even when padded, was thin. They persist in forgetting the vetting.

Aug 13, 2019 / Column / Calvin Trillin

Go Back Where You Came From: A Coincidence

Go Back Where You Came From: A Coincidence Go Back Where You Came From: A Coincidence

One reason the Donald is so insecure— One reason he brags and he preens— Is swells in Manhattan told him, in effect, “Go back where you came from—that’s Queens.” They wouldn’t acc…

Jul 30, 2019 / Column / Calvin Trillin

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