Trump's 'Manic Monday': Power grabs, vaccine falsehoods, and Fed pressure

Donald Trump's "manic Monday" saw a flurry of actions that critics argue consolidate his power and undermine traditional institutions. The day began with the swearing-in of Todd Blanche, a former personal lawyer, as attorney general, a move that critics fear signals a Justice Department acting as a "boutique law firm" for the president. This appointment follows a pattern of prioritizing loyalty, reminiscent of Trump's past requests for fealty from FBI Director James Comey. The article draws parallels between Blanche and Roy Cohn, Trump's former lawyer known for his aggressive and often ruthless tactics.

Further actions included an executive order aimed at reducing childhood vaccine uptake. Trump baselessly claimed vaccines cause autism and made alarming statements about their potential lethality, despite a rise in measles cases. This rhetoric echoes his controversial handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. defended the administration's approach, calling it "gold-standard science."

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This is what gold-standard science means.

The president also addressed his influence over the Federal Reserve, confirming conversations with Chair Kevin Warsh but denying multiple reports of discussions. Trump reiterated his desire for lower interest rates, raising concerns about the central bank's independence. The article suggests these actions, while fulfilling some goals of Trump's base, are contributing to plunging approval ratings and creating dread among Republicans ahead of midterm elections.

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If it was up to him, it would be different, but he has a board.