Trump shuns Democrats and media at first state dinner

[DonViejo]

The president will welcome French President Emmanuel Macron next week in the State Dining Room, a smaller venue than the Obamas used.

By MATTHEW NUSSBAUM 04/20/2018 04:09 PM EDT Updated 04/20/2018 05:27 PM EDT

For once, President Donald Trump is opting to go smaller.

The president who delights in bigness — of his buildings, his crowd sizes, his hands — is opting for a slimmed-down affair when he hosts French President Emmanuel Macron for his first state dinner on Tuesday.

Gone are the President Barack Obama-era days of outside event-planning firms and tents set up on the South Lawn to accommodate guest lists of more than 350. Like President George W. Bush, Trump will host the event in the State Dining Room, with a guest list close to 150.

But unlike his predecessors, Trump hasn’t invited any members of Congress from the opposing party. He’s also opted not to invite any members of the media, another departure from past state dinners.

“It is a break with tradition,” said Lea Berman, who was White House social secretary under Bush and wrote the etiquette guide “Treating People Well” with Obama social secretary Jeremy Bernard.

more
https://www.politico.com/story/2018/04/20/trump-shuts-democrats-and-media-out-of-first-state-dinner-540815

[Va Lefty]

1. No dissent will be brooked

Instead of RSVP on invitations there will be this:

"Don't forget to kiss the president's ass on the way to your seat"

[Sophia4]

2. Trump is running scared.

Afraid of the opposition.

The Republicans had better not complain about the lack of cooperation in Congress from now on. They are showing their true, extremely partisan colors.

Now we know who is to blame for failing to work across the aisle.

It's the Republicans.

[dalton99a]

3. +1. Democrats have every reason to boycott future events

Trump and the GOP have a history of locking out Democrats.

[highplainsdem]

4. He's so petty and childish.

[Kirk Lover]

5. I do hate seeing his name written correctly. I know that it is ridiculous and immature but I guess

I'll never grow up.

[smirkymonkey]

6. Why all of a sudden does it seem like Macron is taking a liking to Trump?

Is it fake news or am I interpreting things the wrong way? I just can't believe that any European head of state would take him seriously, let alone enjoy his company.