Tough-Talking Trump Tough-Talking Trump
If he’s so tough, one asks, why did he hunker Inside that White House armor-plated bunker? With protests peaceful, why did it make sense To build a fence around the White House fen…
Jun 16, 2020 / Column / Calvin Trillin
A Fourth Inspector General Bites the Dust A Fourth Inspector General Bites the Dust
The IG had Pompeo in his sights. An IG’s independence is required— Or was. Pompeo needed just a word With Trump to get that pesky fellow fired.
Jun 2, 2020 / Column / Calvin Trillin
Barr Drops the Case Against Flynn Barr Drops the Case Against Flynn
A pass for Flynn, Barr thought, might be quite nice, Despite the fact that Flynn pled guilty twice. To Barr, the law’s whatever serves his boss. For that he sees no line he wouldn&…
May 19, 2020 / Column / Calvin Trillin
Donald J. Trump, MD Donald J. Trump, MD
Because his uncle taught at MIT, He catches on to science—so says he. That means that from those genes of his from Queens He knows his stuff on testing and vaccines. For otherwise…
May 5, 2020 / Column / Calvin Trillin
Pattern Pattern
Trump demands that governors “be appreciative” of his coronavirus response.—news reports The governors seeking equipment from Trump Know praise is the path to a hearing. Extortion’…
Apr 21, 2020 / Column / Calvin Trillin
Three Cheers Three Cheers
We give three cheers to Dr. Fauci. Quite old but hardly on the couch, he Confirmed that Fauci’s still no slouch. He Just gave the facts. That made Trump grouchy. So three cheers mo…
Apr 7, 2020 / Column / Calvin Trillin
Mixed Message Mixed Message
Trump’s contradictions of experts create confusion. —News reports Not finding White House briefings edifying, Some citizens are simply not complying With steps to keep a lot…
Mar 31, 2020 / Column / Calvin Trillin
Reliefer Reliefer
Jared Kushner steps in to fix White House’s chaotic response to the pandemic.—News reports He’s tasked with devising a Middle East peace, Has other portfolios equally grand. So w…
Mar 24, 2020 / Column / Calvin Trillin
Mike Pence as Chief of the Coronavirus Task Force Mike Pence as Chief of the Coronavirus Task Force
The president believed that it made sense To put Mike Pence in charge of our defense Against this quickly spreading worldwide threat To public health—perhaps the worst threat yet.
Mar 17, 2020 / Column / Calvin Trillin
Richard Grenell Named Acting Director of National Intelligence Richard Grenell Named Acting Director of National Intelligence
The flunky ranks begin to swell: Trump’s intel chief’s now R. Grenell, Who must repel what doesn’t jell With hokum all Fox anchors sell. On non-Fox facts he mustn’t dwell Or he wil…
Mar 3, 2020 / Column / Calvin Trillin