ANALYSIS — With a metaphorical blowtorch in one hand and a fire hose in the other, President Donald Trump is acting as political arsonist and firefighter on everything from tariffs to TikTok’s future to a jaw-dropping plan to “own” Gaza and “resettle” Palestinians.
But some members of Congress, regional powers and former officials say Trump’s Gaza gambit should be extinguished immediately — and it could threaten to torch his “America first” campaign promises.
Trump has masterminded the opening weeks of his second term like the former reality television host and producer that he is, creating a series of policy cliff-hangers that await his final say. There’s what to do about popular social media app TikTok. Then there was the three-day drama around his proposed tariffs on Canada and Mexico, which he delayed for at least 30 days.
He also continues to let House Republicans battle each other over how to move forward with the budget reconciliation process to enact his agenda. History suggests it will be Trump who ultimately steps in to settle the family squabble.
