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In reply to the discussion: Trump, asked if he has to 'uphold the Constitution,' says, 'I don't know' [View all]LetMyPeopleVote
(166,739 posts)40. Maddow Blog-'I don't know': The problem with Trump leaning into his new favorite phrase
Its worth appreciating not just how many times the president has said I dont know in recent days, but also the scope of his apparent cluelessness.
So far this week, Trump has said "I don't know" in response to questions about:
— Steve Benen (@stevebenen.com) 2025-05-08T12:58:09.974Z
- sending migrants to Libya
- due process
- upholding the Constitution
- interactions with El Salvador
- tariff exceptions
- JD Vance's line on Russia's war demands
The cluelessness matters. www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddo...
So far this week, Trump has said "I don't know" in response to questions about:
- sending migrants to Libya
- due process
- upholding the Constitution
- interactions with El Salvador
- tariff exceptions
- JD Vance's line on Russia's war demands
The cluelessness matters
- sending migrants to Libya
- due process
- upholding the Constitution
- interactions with El Salvador
- tariff exceptions
- JD Vance's line on Russia's war demands
The cluelessness matters
Link to tweet
https://www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddow-show/maddowblog/-dont-know-problem-trump-leaning-new-favorite-phrase-rcna205546
It was against this backdrop that Trump was asked a straightforward question about the story. The New Republic noted:
While it was certainly possible that the president was simply lying about what he knew, at face value, it appeared that the Republican was simply unaware of what his own administration was up to.
https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:4llrhdclvdlmmynkwsmg5tdc/post/3lolxlhitki2e
.....On Sunday, for example, NBC News aired Trumps latest appearance on Meet the Press. When host Kristen Welker asked whether everyone in the United States is entitled to due process, the president replied, I dont know. Im not, Im not a lawyer. I dont know. When Welker reminded her guest about the Fifth Amendment, Trump again said, I dont know.
As part of the same exchange, Welker went on to say, [D]ont you need to uphold the Constitution of the United States as president? Once again, Trump answered, I dont know.
As the interview continued, the host asked whether anyone in his administration is in contact with El Salvador about returning Kilmar Abrego Garcia to the United States. I dont know, the president said. Youd have to ask the attorney general that question......
Whats more, most objective observers would probably agree that if Joe Biden repeatedly said, I dont know in response to simple questions about his own administration, it would be front-page news and the Democrats responses would be played on a loop, for hours on end, in conservative media.
Similarly, Trump has personally invested considerable time and energy into accusing Biden of being a doddering old autopen president who was unaware of events unfolding around him. Given the frequency with which the Republican clings to I dont know responses, he might need a new line of attack.
Finally, lets not overlook the fact that Trumps authoritarian-style tendencies are rooted, at least in part, in the idea governmental power must be concentrated and put in his hands, to be executed as he sees fit.
It makes the presidents apparent cluelessness that much more alarming.
Donald Trump says he doesnt know whether he plans to deport hundreds of immigrants to Libya, amidst reports that his administration will do so as soon as Wednesday. Is the administration sending migrants to Libya? Trump was asked during a press conference Wednesday afternoon. I dont know, he responded. Youll have to ask the Department of Homeland Security.
While it was certainly possible that the president was simply lying about what he knew, at face value, it appeared that the Republican was simply unaware of what his own administration was up to.
https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:4llrhdclvdlmmynkwsmg5tdc/post/3lolxlhitki2e
Link to tweet
.....On Sunday, for example, NBC News aired Trumps latest appearance on Meet the Press. When host Kristen Welker asked whether everyone in the United States is entitled to due process, the president replied, I dont know. Im not, Im not a lawyer. I dont know. When Welker reminded her guest about the Fifth Amendment, Trump again said, I dont know.
As part of the same exchange, Welker went on to say, [D]ont you need to uphold the Constitution of the United States as president? Once again, Trump answered, I dont know.
As the interview continued, the host asked whether anyone in his administration is in contact with El Salvador about returning Kilmar Abrego Garcia to the United States. I dont know, the president said. Youd have to ask the attorney general that question......
Whats more, most objective observers would probably agree that if Joe Biden repeatedly said, I dont know in response to simple questions about his own administration, it would be front-page news and the Democrats responses would be played on a loop, for hours on end, in conservative media.
Similarly, Trump has personally invested considerable time and energy into accusing Biden of being a doddering old autopen president who was unaware of events unfolding around him. Given the frequency with which the Republican clings to I dont know responses, he might need a new line of attack.
Finally, lets not overlook the fact that Trumps authoritarian-style tendencies are rooted, at least in part, in the idea governmental power must be concentrated and put in his hands, to be executed as he sees fit.
It makes the presidents apparent cluelessness that much more alarming.
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Trump, asked if he has to 'uphold the Constitution,' says, 'I don't know' [View all]
BumRushDaShow
May 4
OP
Nah, since the GOP on the Hill is fine with deporting US citizens, criminals, rapists, and such without due process...
Attilatheblond
May 4
#17
When trump took the oath of office at the inauguration, he didn't put his hand on the bible.
BComplex
May 4
#15
" A central part of Trump's agenda has been implementing the "largest deportation operation" in U.S. history"
MLWR
May 4
#16
Oh, he knows all right. As long as the Constitution doesn't interfere with what he wants to do, he's fine with it.
Martin68
May 4
#19
The Constitution requires due process and the SCOTUS has unanimously ruled that due process is required
LetMyPeopleVote
May 4
#38
Maddow Blog-'I don't know': The problem with Trump leaning into his new favorite phrase
LetMyPeopleVote
May 8
#40