It was certainly a spectacle. Very Kim Jong-Il.
It is the greatest privilege of my life is to serve as vice president to the president who’s keeping his word to the American people.
— Mike Pence
The first cabinet meeting of the Trump administration started with each cabinet member praising their boss.
We are receiving, as you know — I’m not sure the rest of you fully understand — the support of law enforcement all over America. They have been very frustrated. They are so thrilled that we have a new idea that we’re going to support them and work together to properly, lawfully fight the rising crime that we are seeing. … The response is fabulous around the country.
— Jeff Sessions
Trump sat there the whole time, looking stern, and yet obscenely pleased. He would nod now and then, as if at the undeniable truth of what each of his employees as saying.
What an incredible honor it is to lead the Department of Health and Human Services at this pivotal time under your leadership. I can’t thank you enough for the privileges you’ve given me and the leadership that you’ve shown.
— Tom Price
It’s hard to describe this event honestly. I’m pretty sure a normal people would have stopped this embarrassing parade before it got very far. Trump, though didn’t just wallow in the overblown, saccharine praise: he directed it. He indicated each sycophant in turn so they could praise him clearly and without interruption.
I want to congratulate you on the men and women you’ve placed around this table. … This is the team you’ve assembled that’s working hand in glove with — for the men and women of America, and I want to — I want to thank you for that. These are — are great team members and we’re on your team.
— Sonny Purdue
What kind of man doesn’t see how horrible this really was? They work for you. Doesn’t Trump see the essential dishonesty? I don’t think so. He just sat there, trying to mimic the expressions he thought people might expect.
We thank you for the opportunity and blessing to serve your agenda.
— Reince Priebus
The praise was wholly dishonest, but Trump kept the charade moving along anyway.
It was a great honor traveling with you around the country for the last year and an even greater honor to be here serving on your Cabinet.
— Steve Mnuchin
“The last year”? Is there no lie too obvious for Trump? Some outlets described this as them stroking his ‘ego’.
Never has there been a president, with few exceptions – case of FDR, he had a major depression to handle – who has passed more legislation and who has done more things than what we’ve done.
— Donald J. Trump
And I bet he would have sat there for more of this nonsense, if he hadn’t run out of cabinet appointees.
