CLIMATE CHANGE/TRUMP AS PRESIDENT/TRUMP PEOPLE: “Internal debates within the Trump administration are not uncommon. But an ongoing argument over the fate of the 2015 Paris climate accord has spilled into unusually public view as top advisers to the President near a decision on withdrawing from the landmark pact.
In a string of heated West Wing gatherings, aides have aired deep differences over the climate agreement, which President Barack Obama’s administration brokered and which every nation except Syria and Nicaragua has signed onto. A sticky legal hang-up has frustrated those advisers who advocate remaining in the pact.
Instead of keeping their advice to President Donald Trump closely held, the President’s advisers have openly discussed their views of the agreement on television and at events. Meetings to discuss the plan between aides are announced publicly as a final decision approaches. The openness appears to be by design, as Trump and his team tout an openness to different viewpoints and a degree of ideological flexibility.
The latest strategy session is expected Tuesday, and a decision about whether to withdraw from the agreement could come as soon as this week, according to two people familiar with the talks.”
-Kevin Liptak, “Unusually public debate over Paris climate accord nears conclusion, officials say,” CNN Politics, CNN.com, May 8, 2017 10:35am