Russell Vought is regarded by many as the spine and steel behind the bluster and showmanship of this administration. Photograph: Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call/via Getty Images
Loathe Stephen Colbert as he may, the dark comedian within US president Donald Trump would have privately tipped his cap at the show host’s deft line this week on the administration’s decision to send military troops into Portland, Oregon.
The City of Roses in the far northwest had been happily getting on with its pursuits of liberalism, coffee bars and a long tradition of excellent stoner bands. But last Saturday’s post by Trump that he had ordered secretary of war Pete Hegseth to send the troops into “War Ravaged Portland” roused them out of their spliffy contentment.
“Yes, history will never forget the Battle of Portland,” said Colbert.
Continue Reading on The Irish Times
This preview shows approximately 15% of the article. Read the full story on the publisher's website to support quality journalism.