This week in OnPolitics: Look what you made me do

August 26, 2017
Washington

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A day after an angry, fiery political speech in Phoenix, President Donald Trump again called for unity and national healing in a speech to veterans at the American Legion. (Aug. 23)
AP

Remember when the country came together for a few hours to witness a natural phenomenon while simultaneously trying not to ruin its collective vision?

Somehow, that was only four days ago. A lifetime of things has happened since then.

And we’re here to tell you what those things were, even as news of Taylor Swift and Hurricane Harvey floods your news feeds. (If you’re TSwift, shrug. If you live in the hurricane zone, stay safe.) Let’s go.

The evolution of Trump speeches

Fort Myer. Phoenix. Reno.

President Trump eturned from his not-a-vacation vacation to a full schedule that included outlining his Afghanistan policy (we’re not going anywhere for the time being, folks),Â a rally reminiscent of the 2016 campaign trail (“lock her up” chants included) and talk of unity at a veterans conference. Yes, we’re suffering from whiplash because of it.

Think the vastly different tones of those speeches were weird? The president doesn’t.

“The Fake news is now complaining about my different types of back to back speeches. Well, there was Afghanistan (somber), the big Rally (enthusiastic, dynamic and fun) and the American Legion – V.A. (respectful and strong),” he wrote on Twitter. “Too bad the Dems have no one who can change tones!”

Soooooooooo the Secret Service can’t pay a lot of its people

This week, USA TODAY’s Kevin Johnson broke major news: More than 1,000 Secret Service agents have hit their federally mandated salary and overtime caps for the year. Why? Because protecting the president â€” particularlyÂ this president â€” is a lot of work. Between securing multiple residences along the East Coast and protecting 42 different people (18 of whom are members of the Trump family), the Trump presidency is proving to be a drain on the agency. Secret Service Director Randolph “Tex” Alles has assured his agents that they will be compensated. But reminder: That isn’t up to him. That’s up to Congress. The ball is in their court. (In other Secret Service news, we thought it was worth mentioning that they spent more than $7,000 on toilets for the Trump’s Bedminster trip this month.)

Oh and don’t forget about The Wall

Enjoy the last remaining bits of your August break, Congress, because you’reÂ likely to have a battle on their hands when you get back.

President Trump has suggested that he’s willing to shut the government down if Congress doesn’t provide funding for The Wall â€” you know, the one that Mexico was supposed to pay for. You know who does not want to shut the government down? Basically, Congress. House Speaker Paul Ryan, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer have all said this is a terrible idea. (We don’t know quite where Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell stands, but given that he is reportedly not talking to the president at the moment, we’re willing to take a wild guess about his position).