White House: Trump's agenda is stalled because of Russia

Trump's legislative director blames the Russia situation for the administration's inability to do anything

Published June 6, 2017 9:51AM (EDT)

 (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
(AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

Marc Short, President Trump's director of legislative affairs, acknowledged Monday that the Russia investigations have distracted the White House from executing its policies proposals.

"There's no doubt that keeping members focused on investigations detracts from our legislative agenda," Short told reporters at a White House briefing Monday evening. "It detracts from what we're trying to deliver to the American people."

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Five months into the new administration, the White House's legislative agenda has seemingly stalled. Health care reform has gained little traction in the senate, while tax reform has been held out to dry.

Trump and his staff could point to the Russia probes as hurdles they will have to overcome in order to pass legislation. But to call it the singular distraction for this administration would be a mistake.

The president proved Tuesday morning that he is his own worst distraction.

Trump unleashed a tweetstorm of sorts on Tuesday, applauding the diplomatic row between Qatar, a U.S. ally, and other Middle Eastern countries. He also took a swipe at the mainstream media, tweeting that he would have lost the election if he relied on the "fake news" of CNN, New York Times, Washington Post, etc.

One day earlier, Short insisted that the president's social media habit was a positive.

“The American people are anxious to see progress in this town,” Short said Monday night when asked about Trump’s messaging strategy. “He may not have a conventional style in doing that, but many of his efforts are extremely helpful to, I think, getting our legislation accomplished.”


By Taylor Link

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Related Topics ------------------------------------------

Donald Trump Marc Short Russia Investigation Trump Administration White House Staff