Paul Krugman: “Trump’s disconnect from reality is uniquely destructive. No previous president has tried to overturn an election, sought to use the military against U.S. citizens, or sought to use the Justice Department as his own personal vendetta machine. The difference is that he’s the first president to live in an autocratic bubble, surrounded by a cult of personality within which nobody dares to criticize him, tell him uncomfortable truths or refuse to engage in blatantly illegal acts.”

“Furthermore, Trump is clearly getting worse, growing even more out of touch with each passing week. Regardless of whether it’s advancing age or growing frustration, even Trump, I think, realizes that his efforts to suppress all opposition are running into serious resistance. Putting out an AI video of himself dumping shit on protestors suggests panic, not strength. But his claims about what’s happening in America and the world keep getting stranger and wilder.”

“And Trump’s denial of reality is already having devastating consequences for America, with more to come.”

“A group of dozens of officials from across the federal government, including U.S. intelligence officers, has been helping to steer President Donald Trump’s drive for retribution against his perceived enemies,” Reuters reports.

“The existence of the interagency group indicates the administration’s push to deploy government power against Trump’s perceived foes is broader and more systematic than previously reported. Interagency working groups in government typically forge administration policies, share information and agree on joint actions.”

“A power struggle has emerged over who will run the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, adding fresh uncertainty about the agency’s leadership,” the Wall Street Journal reports.

“Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, who is NASA’s acting administrator, has told people that he wants to lead the space agency, according to people familiar with the conversations. So does Jared Isaacman—the billionaire entrepreneur who was the nominee earlier this year before President Trump withdrew his support.”

“Isaacman has re-emerged as a candidate as a push to have a permanent NASA chief intensified in recent weeks. Duffy interviewed Isaacman on Oct. 13 for the job.”

“The Treasury Department instructed employees not to share photos of the demolition of parts of the White House’s East Wing after images of construction equipment dismantling the facade of the building went viral online,” the Wall Street Journal reports.

“Treasury’s headquarters is located next door to the East Wing, giving employees there a front-row seat to the construction of President Trump’s $250 million ballroom. The new project is set to replace parts of the East Wing.”