Trump kids' diplomatic forays rattle State Dept.

[Eugene]

Source: Politico

Trump kids' diplomatic forays rattle State Dept.

'It makes us look like we’re some sort of banana republic,'
one official told POLITICO. 'This is not the way that grown-up
nations do things.'

By NAHAL TOOSI 12/06/16 05:03 AM EST

State Department officials are increasingly fearful that President-elect Donald Trump’s adult children will assume the role of freelance ambassadors, further blurring the line between their business affairs and America's foreign affairs.

The warning signs are already there, current and former diplomats say. Trump's daughter Ivanka sat in on his meeting with the Japanese prime minister. One of Trump's sons is reported to have discussed how to resolve the Syrian war with pro-Russia figures. And the incoming president even suggested that his son-in-law, Jared Kushner, could mediate between Israel and the Palestinians.

Diplomats are nervous that if Trump uses his children and other relatives as informal ambassadors, they could, intentionally or not, upend the carefully structured efforts of the Foreign Service. They worry other nations could take advantage of Trump relatives to circumvent trained U.S. diplomats. They also suspect that even if Trump steps away from his business, his children's extensive corporate dealings could still confuse U.S. foreign policy abroad.

Perhaps more than anything at this early stage, State Department employees are seriously annoyed by the optics.

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Read more: http://www.politico.com/story/2016/12/trump-children-diplomacy-state-department-232191

[MADem]

1. The Electoral College needs to do the right thing. nt

[madaboutharry]

2. The Trump family has existed in a world of their own making.

They think there are no rules other than the ones they create for themselves. This is how they have lived. The main problem is simple: They don't get it.

[hamsterjill]

14. I agree with your concept.

I disagree with your definition of the main problem. Yes, it IS that they don't get it. But the bigger problem is that no one has ever told them "no".

It's about time they learn "no" from someone.

[madaboutharry]

16. Yes, that also

That is part of their world, a place where they never were told no.

[enough]

3. Trump thinks the election made him King, and therefore his children are royal too.

He simply does not understand what a President of the United States is.

[SummerSnow]

11. He seems to think that he and his children are the monarchy.

King Donald , Prince Eric , Prince Donald Jr. and Princess Ivanka

[BeyondGeography]

4. Grown-ups don't make fun of disabled people either

Get used to not grown-up.

[Lotusflower70]

5. Banana Republic

It makes you look that way because you are. Good luck reigning in cheeto man.

'It makes us look like we’re some sort of banana republic,'
one official told POLITICO. 'This is not the way that grown-up
nations do things.'

[nycbos]

6. I am shocKED SHOCKED to find gambling going on here.

[TwilightZone]

7. Get used to it.

This is only the beginning.

[annabanana]

8. "annoyed by the optics". . ?

by the OPTICS?

His royal court has already started interfering with the Country's business. This is so not healthy.

[orleans]

10. + n/t

[Javaman]

9. so, when will tRump name his kids vassals? nt

[NBachers]

12. I think it would be a great idea to abolish the State Department! Who needs it?

Think of the money that can be channeled into "other avenues of reward."

[Louis1895]

13. Are the Trump kids violating the Logan Act?

The Logan Act (1 Stat. 613, 18 U.S.C. § 953, enacted January 30, 1799) is a United States federal law that forbids unauthorized citizens from negotiating with foreign governments having a dispute with the U.S. It was intended to prevent the undermining of the government's position.

I do not see how the Trump children can act as "informal ambassadors" without breaking the law. Anyone negotiating with foreign powers should be vetted by Congress or, at the minimum, the State Department.

[MontanaMama]

18. Good point

Welcome to DU! I'm a newbie too.

[Louis1895]

19. Thanks - Long time reader...

First time caller!

I thought it was time to find my tribe and speak out!

[mopinko]

15. ah the good old days, when the worst thing that could be pointed to

was billy carter.

(tho i have some opinions about the smear campaign that took carter down.)

[MontanaMama]

17. Seems like the State Department ought to do something other than leak their annoyance

Buckle your seat belts folks, it is going to be a bumpy ride.

[babylonsister]

20. Then STOP them! Come on, what's

the alternative? trump shouldn't get away with this.