On Jan. 9, Donald Trump and his aides gathered to meet oil and gas executives to discuss plans for Venezuelan oil. But before even beginning the meeting, the president wandered off to admire his latest ballroom project going on next door.
In the middle of a high-stakes meeting with nearly two dozen oil and gas executives, the toddler in Trump awoke. It was gathering meant to pitch American investment in Venezuela’s energy sector and signal U.S. leverage abroad. But during the first few minutes itself, the president physically left the table. Not to take an urgent call or consult an aide. He walked over to the gate behind him and admired the construction on his new White House ballroom.
