All hail President Trump.
The President of the United States held a cabinet meeting on Monday that began with cabinet members and senior staff going around the table to praise Trump on camera — a self -indulgence that drew immediate mockery on social media and from Chuck Schumer.
Trump got the ball rolling at the White House meeting, which was shown live on some news networks, lavishing praise on himself.
“Never has there been a president, with few exceptions — case of FDR, he had a major depression to handle — who has passed more legislation and who has done more things than what we’ve done,” Trump declared.
“We’ve been about as active as you can possibly be and at a just about record pace.”
He then had attendees speak one-by-one.
The fawning began with Vice President Pence.
“It is the greatest privilege of my life to serve as vice president. The president is keeping his word to the American people,” he said.
Secretary of Energy Rick Perry — who reportedly urged the President not to drop out of the Paris climate agreement — praised him for doing just that.
“My hat’s off to you for taking that stand and sending a clear message around the world,” Perry said.
Chief of Staff Reince Priebus took the admiration to the next level.
“On behalf of the entire senior staff around you, Mr. President, we thank you for the opportunity and the blessing that you’ve given us to serve your agenda and the American people,” Priebus — whose job is reportedly on thin ice — said.
Health Secretary Tom Price told Trump, “I can’t thank you enough for the privileges you’ve given me and the leadership that you’ve shown.”
“And we’re continuing to work very hard every day to accomplish these goals,” he added.
U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley, who has been cleaning up many of Trump’s diplomatic messes, settled on, “I think the international community knows we’re back.”
Despite Trump’s boasts to the contrary, the meeting came as the White House struggles to advance its agenda amid the investigations into Russia’s election meddling and possible collusion with the Trump campaign.
So far no major legislation has made its way through Congress. The White House has been dogged by reports of infighting and disarray. And the president has repeatedly sought out conflict on social media, distracting from the issues his advisers are trying to promote.
Within a few hours, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer — one of Trump’s most outspoken critics — tweeted a parody video of his young staff exalting him.
One staffer praised Schumer’s performance on a Sunday talk show. “Your tone was perfect. You were right on message,” the aide said.
Others then praised his “great hair” and “the blessing” of getting to work with him.
“GREAT meeting today with the best staff in the history of the world!!!” Schumer wrote in a message with the 25 second video.
With News Wire Services