A short time ago, this newspaper started its Good Trump/Bad Trump op-eds, which reflected the enormous highs and lows that come with a Trump presidency.
One minute, it’s astonishingly good policy like opening up our energy potential, ending DEI or bombing ISIS strongholds. But, later that same day, Trump will throw a curveball that leaves folks scratching their heads.
The latest example of Good Trump/Bad Trump was evident in a whirlwind of a day on February 4. In one day, we had news of foreign aid being frozen, Trump nominees being approved, and the president welcoming Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
In an earlier sitdown open to the media, the president wisely talked about America’s unyielding support for Israel and our united effort to keep Iran on its heels. Good stuff.
And the president wisely thinks outside the box in the Middle East by trying to make Gaza more prosperous and veer Palestinians away from Hamas.
But, then in the evening press conference, he announces earth-shattering news that seemed to be an off-the-cuff remark that the United States would now be taking over Gaza and “own” it.
Taking over Gaza? What does that mean?
The same Donald Trump, who bashed George Bush for nation building in Iraq, seemingly was calling for nation building in Gaza.
Does he have the legal authority to do this?
Would we have the moral authority to go into sovereign land without negotiation?
Will this be a quagmire for American troops?
Will it cast us as bullies around the world?
Trump may be onto something in trying to promise Palestinians hope through economic prosperity, and the need to break free of Hamas. Again, good stuff.
But does he think he’s going to get Palestinians on board by saying that the United States is now going to take over the land and apparently make them subjects of American law within the next few months?
The out-of-the-box thinking by Trump is certainly welcome, but we continue to be critical of his lack of a filter and his inability to stop himself from just saying anything that comes to mind. We wonder if even his close aides knew he was going to announce this.
Trump’s long-term policy goals continue to be laudable, but style and procedure matters. If he continues to step on his own tail, the possibility of achieving those policy goals are going to be that much more difficult.