Depending on which side of the political fence they're on, Americans either said that former FBI Director James Comey’s Senate testimony on June 8 provided more evidence that President Donald Trump obstructed justice or showed that the former director is a liar. The same day, reports came out that the White House wanted Republicans to defend the president on TV.
Trump got what he wanted on Monday – favorable words from his cabinet members.
The New York Daily News reported that the billionaire made all secretaries and senior staff praise him on camera. The cabinet members were required to name some of the accomplishments of the Trump administration, and/or say some nice words about the president at the first cabinet meeting.
Grateful secretaries
Health Secretary Tom Price said he is thankful for the privilege that he has and the leadership that Trump has shown. Similarly, Vice President Mike Pence considered it the greatest privilege of his life to serve under the 45th president. Even Attorney General Jeff Sessions, who reportedly angered the president when he recused himself from the Russian investigation, considered it an honor to serve Trump, The Washington Post reported.
Chief of Staff Reince Priebus, rumored to be on the verge of losing his job, thanked Trump for the opportunity to work in the White House. His statement that it is a blessing to serve the president’s agenda and the American people drew flak from some because of his use of the word “blessing,” which made it sound like Priebus was leading a Thanksgiving prayer.
Trump praises himself
Media cameras were permitted to film a short segment of the cabinet meeting, including when members praised Trump. The most praise came from the real estate mogul himself, who compared himself to President Franklin Delano Roosevelt. Whatever one might think of the president, it's clear that he does think rather highly of himself.
Many in the media found the cabinet meeting weird, while a Twitter user -- who uses the handle @youmakemecrazy -- congratulated Priebus sarcastically for winning the suckup of the year award.
Sen. Chuck Schumer, the Senate minority leader and an outspoken critic of the president, had his staff praise him for his perfect tone, great hair, and the blessing of working with him. At the end of the video, which he tweeted, everyone burst into laughter, indicating that it was a parody of the Trump cabinet meeting.