By Joel H. Cohen
NEW YORK — In what may be hid most controversial appointment yet, President-elect Donald J. Trump has confided to intimates he’s seriously considering naming israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as a special envoy at large.
According to insiders’ reports, Trump had thought of naming Bibi to his cabinet, but “then there’d be those messy confirmation hearings,” he reportedly told confidants This way, I’ve got free rein.” Trump reportedly commented further “Even if it needed Congress to okay the appointment, that would be no problem. Remember how they invited him to speak, without informing Obama?”
Explaining what he likes about Netanyahu, the President-elect reportedly said, “He’s a true outsider, a guy who tells it like it is; who says what he means and means what he says,and never tries to be politically correct. Bibi is big in the Middle East, but he is also very American, and could represent me all over the globe. He might even attend security briefings for me. I hate cluttering my head with facts.”
Trump also reportedly said he had considered Vladimir Putin for the post, but feared the “corrupt media would make a big deal out of that appointment.” He commented that Putin “is not only a great leader — just look at his poll numbers — but, once you get to know him, a great guy. He’s always ready to give you the shirt off his back.”
It’s unknown whether Netanyahu has yet been asked to serve, or, if he has, whether he accepted the offer. But Trump expressed additional, personal reasons he’d be pleased were the Israeli prime minister to join his staff. “He can help Jared with his Hebrew, introduce him around in Israel, ease him into some investments there, go to temple with him, and just be an all-round buddy.”
Trump acknowledged that Steve Bannon and Netanyahu might have a problem with each other, “but that’s not my headache.”
According to those present, the President-elect emphasized “there’s nothing in any law anywhere about bringing a major foreign player on board.”
“As I told my incredible family at our over-the-top, unbelievable Thanksgiving dinner, I’m thankful to live in a country where the President or someone elected to that office can do just about anything he damn pleases, without breaking any law.”
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San Diego Jewish World reminds readers who are new to this column that it is all in fun, and nothing above should be taken seriously. Cohen is a freelance writer based in New York.