WASHINGTON – The White House has curtailed press briefings, redirected questions on Russia and planned a major infrastructure policy rollout this week in an effort to regain control of its message.
But as long as President Donald Trump has a smartphone, no White House strategy is safe. On Monday morning, Trump upended the White House’s week with a blitz of statements delivered via Twitter.
People, the lawyers and the courts can call it whatever they want, but I am calling it what we need and what it is, a TRAVEL BAN!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 5, 2017
The Justice Dept. should ask for an expedited hearing of the watered down Travel Ban before the Supreme Court – & seek much tougher version!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 5, 2017
Pathetic excuse by London Mayor Sadiq Khan who had to think fast on his “no reason to be alarmed” statement. MSM is working hard to sell it!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 5, 2017
The president’s free-wheeling style underscores the difficulty the White House faces as it attempts to recalibrate following weeks of damaging reports about possible ties between his campaign and Russia, as well as a steady drumbeat of speculation about internal conflict and disarray.
Those struggles are coming to a head as fired FBI Director James Comey is set to testify on Capitol Hill Thursday.
JULIE PACE
CATHERINE LUCEY
