Deadline Poet / May 13, 2025

Flattery Will Get You Everywhere

Calvin Trillin
Donald Trump in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC, on March 6, 2025.
Donald Trump in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC, on March 6, 2025.(Mandel Ngan / Getty)
“Would it be possible to have a cabinet meeting without
the Kim Jong Il–style tributes?”—Ann Coulter,
regarding Donald Trump’s cabinet meetings

A Trumpworld figure isn’t judged
On how he carries out some duty.
It’s more about the kisses he
Can plant on Donald Trump’s patootie.

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Calvin Trillin

Calvin Trillin is The Nation’s “deadline poet.”

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