kenneth walsh

Journalist. Former White House correspondent, for 30 years. Historian. Author, 10 books on the presidency. American University adjunct professorial lecturer.

[kenneth walsh @ktjwalsh]

President Trump warns that a “communist menace” now threatens the country. He is speaking of recent victories in Democratic congressional primaries of a few self-described democratic socialists. Many Democrats now likely to join Trump in the pit of negativity and fierce attacks.

[kenneth walsh @ktjwalsh]

New Air Force One, a gift from Qatar, is now in service. President Trump rode the new 747 today and trumpeted its luxury and splendor. This is what he values. The plane’s nickname is “the palace in the sky.” For context and history, see my book “Air Force One.“

[kenneth walsh @ktjwalsh]

New Supreme Court decisions are not likely to change the dynamic of midterm elections. Americans deeply unhappy with status quo—bad news for congressional incumbents, especially majority Republicans. Gallup Poll finds 76% of Americans dissatisfied with the way things are going.

[Jordan @ituajiv]

They're all over her for one reason

[kenneth walsh @ktjwalsh]

Americans relatively sour as they assess progress on the 250th anniversary of the founding July 4. 69% say the nation has had a great deal or fair amount of success in achieving the ideals on which the nation was founded. This is a decline from 84% in 2002, according to Gallup.

[kenneth walsh @ktjwalsh]

President Trump unveils new Air Force One, a 747 jet presented by Qatar as a gift. Air Force One is traditionally a symbol of American power, values and technological prowess. Under Trump, it is a gilded vanity project. For historical context, see my book “Air Force One.”

[kenneth walsh @ktjwalsh]

Lots of unexplained provisions and omissions in the arrangement between the United States and Iran to “end“ their war. This appears to be a shaky deal between adversaries that do not understand or trust each other. Worth the cost to the U.S.? Americans will be very skeptical.

[kenneth walsh @ktjwalsh]

NYT story about Trump’s age and physical/cognitive condition at age 80 contains no bombshell disclosures. But there are concerning signs that he is not pacing himself as he should at his age. This is common sense. Is he too proud to do it?

[kenneth walsh @ktjwalsh]

President Trump faces new resistance. Legislators fight his plan for $1.8 billion fund to compensate people who feel unfairly prosecuted. Entertainers cancel appearances at music series Trump plans on Washington Mall. A judge wants Trump's name removed from the Kennedy Center.

[kenneth walsh @ktjwalsh]

President Trump adds to his wins in Republican primaries when his endorsed candidate Ken Paxton wins nomination for Senate over incumbent John Cornyn in Texas. When Trump endorses in a GOP primary, his choice often wins. But Trump still unpopular among Democrats, independents.

[kenneth walsh @ktjwalsh]

Rough patch for President Trump. Gallup Poll finds 76 per cent of adults say economic conditions getting worse, most negative assessment since May 2023. Forty-nine per cent rate economy as poor, only 16 per cent say excellent or good. This could hurt pro-Trump GOP in mid-terms.

[kenneth walsh @ktjwalsh]

Lots of media chatter today about Trump's impact on Republican primaries where the candidates he opposed tended to lose. This indicates that he has a strong hold on the GOP. But he remains very unpopular among Democrats and independents. Bad sign for GOP in mid-terms.

[kenneth walsh @ktjwalsh]

Trump‘s retribution campaign succeeds again as the president’s opposition defeats Republican Rep. Thomas Massie in Kentucky primary. Trump is intent on playing payback politics.

[kenneth walsh @ktjwalsh]

Trump still controls the GOP. Latest example: Trump opposition defeats GOP Senator Bill Cassidy in yesterday's Louisiana primary. Trump nixed him for voting to impeach Trump for role in fomenting Capitol riot in 2021. Republicans more united behind Trump than Democrats expected.

[kenneth walsh @ktjwalsh]

Inflation is increasing again, with costs rising for gasoline, groceries, clothing and other frequent purchases. Yet President Trump says he isn’t thinking about how the economy is doing for everyday people as he plans his next steps in the costly Iran war. Empathy gap?

[kenneth walsh @ktjwalsh]

President Trump‘s self styled image as the consummate deal maker is being undermined by Iran. Trump now says the latest peace plan from Iran is “garbage“ and the current ceasefire is on “life support.” This is far from the Iranian unconditional surrender Trump had predicted.

[kenneth walsh @ktjwalsh]

President Trump is entangling the U.S. more deeply in the Middle East. Now he is authorizing U.S. escorts of ships through the Strait of Hormuz and the war is escalating again. This entanglement is what he promised to avoid. It's one reason his approval ratings are sinking.

[kenneth walsh @ktjwalsh]

Trump enters political danger zone of presidential over-reach. Tries to work his will too aggressively, undermines his own credibility with Iran war, disrupts global economy, alienates allies, wages retribution campaign against critics, while failing to tame inflation. Hubris.

[kenneth walsh @ktjwalsh]

President Trump seems focused on keeping the war with Iran going, now pondering extending the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. This is the kind of "foreign entanglement" that he pledged as a candidate to avoid. Shows how it's much more difficult to end a war than to start one.

[kenneth walsh @ktjwalsh]

@MaryLTrump Toxic politics has plagued us almost from the beginning of the Republic. The two presidential elections after Washington--Adams vs. Jefferson, 1796 and 1800--were venomous. Many stir it up today. See my book, "The Architects of Toxic Politics in America." Is common ground gone?