DAILY TRUMP

When Xi’s away, Trump’s tweets will stray

Daily Trump Tracker: The president plays the hardman online as his name loses its lustre—and his press secretary flounders

The Twitter Inc. accounts of U.S. President Donald Trump, @POTUS and @realDoanldTrump, are seen on an Apple Inc. iPhone arranged for a photograph in Washington, D.C., U.S., on Friday, Jan. 27, 2017. Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto canceled a visit to the White House planned for next week after Trump on Thursday reinforced his demand, via Twitter, that Mexico pay for a barrier along the U.S. southern border to stem illegal immigration. (Andrew Harrer/Bloomberg/Getty Images)

The Twitter Inc. accounts of U.S. President Donald Trump, @POTUS and @realDoanldTrump, are seen on an Apple Inc. iPhone arranged for a photograph in Washington, D.C., U.S., on Friday, Jan. 27, 2017. Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto canceled a visit to the White House planned for next week after Trump on Thursday reinforced his demand, via Twitter, that Mexico pay for a barrier along the U.S. southern border to stem illegal immigration. (Andrew Harrer/Bloomberg/Getty Images)

Whatcha looking at?
With Xi Jinping safely out of earshot, Donald Trump trotted out the tough talk on North Korea. In a couple of tweets, the Donald claimed he’d told the Chinese president that dealing with the rogue state would earn them brownie points in trade talks. “North Korea is looking for trouble,” the president continued, hinting that he’d be happy to deliver (or at least contract out—it’s hard to find brass knuckles in his size) a beatdown if only his antagonist would step outside.

Big in Podgorica
The president has signed off on Montenegro’s NATO membership. The Balkan state’s inclusion won’t please Vlad, but the Russian opposition to the move wasn’t enough to stop Trump from giving his blessing.

The value of a good name
At the beginning of his presidential campaign, the Donald valued his brand at some $3.3 billion. He (or his sons—the president’s ostensibly no longer involved with the business, remember) might want to lop a few zeroes off that estimate. A survey suggests seeing the Trump name on, say, a vodka bottle or building makes consumers less likely to buy.

You spent how much on movers?
The Trump transition is going under the magnifying glasses at the Government Accountability Office (GAO). The ethics bureau was called in by persister-in-chief Elizabeth Warren, and will be looking into what the incoming administration spent its petty cash on, and whether any of it came from private sources.

Sean Spicer did…whatever this is
Honestly, just watch it.

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