How Long Can Trump's Tweets and Serious Policy Development Coexist?

The Trump presidency is bifurcated. It is coming apart, but not in the way most people think. There is a stark divide between the governing aspect of the Trump presidency and the tabloid aspect. Assuming tax reform passes in the Senate, these two worlds will have been proven capable of coexisting — at least so far.

On the governing side, some important things are happening. Tax reform could lead to serious long-term economic growth, and recent immigration initiatives are making a lasting impact on the border and having a chilling effect on migrants trying to illegally enter the United States. Judgeships are being filled at an unprecedented rate, and the market likes what it sees in the regulatory rollbacks that have had a powerful psychological impact on businesses. The Dow has reached record highs, and consumer confidence is at its highest point since November 2000.

But clearly, President Trump has no passion for policy development. Even on tax reform, his role has been mostly to provide cosmetic support. I can’t tell you whether his role has even been a net plus in keeping the Republican caucus together. Instead, it appears Trump loves living in the tabloid world. He thrives on outrage, insults and bewildering distractions. In fact, it appears he enjoys his war with CNN. Maybe he even thinks it helps him politically.