Foreign-Policy Decision Making Foreign-Policy Decision Making
Conflicting views are heard. The mood is tense. Around the president advisers cluster. But at the end he sticks to his approach— His formula of ignorance plus bluster.
Jul 2, 2019 / Column / Calvin Trillin
L’État, C’est Moi L’État, C’est Moi
Trump intends to speak at the traditionally nonpartisan Fourth of July celebration on the Mall.—news reports Though past presidents never inserted themselves In this fete, Donald T…
Jun 18, 2019 / Column / Calvin Trillin
White House Stonewall White House Stonewall
Subpoenas harass us. We throw them away. More witch hunt! We cannot abide it. We’ve said all along we’ve got nothing to hide, And that’s why we’re trying to hide it.
Jun 4, 2019 / Column / Calvin Trillin
Rudy Cancels His Trip Rudy Cancels His Trip
He isn’t going to Ukraine. Alas. We hoped and prayed in vain That he would go and then explain That there he wanted to remain.
May 17, 2019 / Column / Calvin Trillin
Zelensky’s Victory Zelensky’s Victory
A brash comedian will lead Ukraine. He won the presidential vote hands down. Among world leaders, this may be a first, Although our leader’s often called a clown.
May 2, 2019 / Column / Calvin Trillin
William Barr’s Handling of the Mueller Report William Barr’s Handling of the Mueller Report
He had the résumé and name For which such DC lawyers strive. The headline of his life has changed. It’s “William Barr; He Took a Dive.”…
Apr 29, 2019 / Column / Calvin Trillin
Welcome Herman Cain Welcome Herman Cain
The late-night comics make it plain They’re thrilled to have back Herman Cain— Reminding us of days more sane, When folks like Herman would campaign For posts we knew they’d not ob…
Apr 22, 2019 / Column / Calvin Trillin
Fully Booked Fully Booked
Trump, at the southern border, says to would-be immigrants, “We’re full.” —News reports “We’re full,” Trump said, as if he ran An inn that’s booked up for the night. Those empty ro…
Apr 15, 2019 / Column / Calvin Trillin
Odd Reasoning Odd Reasoning
“Trump to cut millions in aid to 3 Central American countries.” —The Washington Post The surge of migrants comes from countries where Conditions are, to say the least, adverse. So…
Apr 4, 2019 / Column / Calvin Trillin
Low Point? Low Point?
Is what Trump said of John McCain As low as low can get? No. Knowing Trump, it’s likely that We ain’t seen nothing yet.
Mar 28, 2019 / Column / Calvin Trillin