But in last week’s crucial tests, President Trump made good decisions about Syria, Russia and China — moving his erratic administration a bit closer toward the pillars of traditional U.S. policy. The decision to strike a Syrian air base was a confidence builder for an inexperienced and sometimes fractious White House, a senior official said. Trump famously likes to win, and he can probably claim a win here after weeks of chaotic setbacks. Tillerson clearly has gained Trump’s confidence and has also forged an alliance with the decisive backstage operator in this White House, senior adviser (and Trump’s son-in-law) Jared Kushner. The White House described a “textured” conversation, with Trump at one point offering Xi a backhanded compliment: “We had a long discussion already.

Source: Washington Post April 11, 2017 23:30 UTC