7/08/2019

My dear Friend and president, DJT,

            It looks like you are back in action with a busy day ahead of you. Credentialing some new ambassadors, the usual intelligence briefing, lunch with MRP, remarks in the East Room and dinner with the Amir of Qatar - that's a lot. I hope you find a minute to send some words of encouragement to the folks in Trona, CA trying to recover from last week's earthquakes. 

https://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-trona-earthquake-batters-rockslides-ridgecrest-20190705-story.html

            Are you sure you want to call yourself an "environmental leader" this afternoon? Axios is calling your speech a "Javanka special" and claim that you are making it to appeal to suburban women. If you would like to appeal to that demographic, then also talk ameliorating that wage gap that Megan Rapino has been talking about. And while you're at it, apologize for your sexual indiscretions. Come to think of it, appealing to suburban women is going to be a tough one for you. Not sure that plan is going to work.

https://www.nytimes.com/2019/07/05/fashion/melania-trump-fourth-of-july-herrera.html

            I wish you luck in trying to help navigate the sticky wicket that Qatar is in. I'm surprised that the Amir is in DC right now, when his country is hosting a bunch of Taliban leaders as they negotiate for peace. My guess is that he is trying to stay in your good graces as he deals with the Saudis embargoing him and continues to be friendly with Iran. Since he hosts our air bases, I guess we have to be nice, but I must say I am uncomfortable with what I read about the way the Qataris treat the foreigners who do all the work in their little country. The press says they are using "soft power" to curry favor around the world. Apparently, the Amir's mom has taken the lead in making Qatar look good. I'm sure you heard about her latest effort to host a fashion competition in Doha. Did Ivanka attend?

            I hope that by the time Qatar hosts the Men's World Cup in 2022, the soccer wage gap will have been fixed. Maybe at that point you'll have the time to take Barron to see it.

            Best,

            RCA

PS - Wasn't it cool that Melania expressed herself by wearing a rainbow striped dress on the 4th?