1. A week ago, Martha Finnemore and I wrote a piece for the @washingtonpost on Trump, Khashoggi, and the rapid decline of the US ability to exploit its hypocrisy - washingtonpost.com/outlook/2018/1… . I think that it's fair to say that events since then have borne out our arguments.
2. We claimed that America finds it far harder to act hypocritically without being called on it than in the past. This was in part because it's harder to keep the lid on secrets, and in part because Trump lacks the minimal moral and intellectual capacities for skilful hypocrisy.
3. Now, someone in the USG has leaked the CIA's conclusions that MBS was, as everybody assumed, responsible for the Khashoggi murder. This places Trump in a highly awkward position. If he keeps on insisting that MBS was not responsible, he exposes himself and the administration
4. to continued derision - and to bills - thehill.com/policy/defense… aimed at forcing exposure and punishment of KSA. Of course, Trump himself has no shame - but others' reputations may be more easily tarnished.
5. Alternatively - perhaps he can do an about turn - but the consequences of this are also likely to be awkward given political investments and personal relationships. Previous administrations were better able to keep up the double talk - but good hypocrisy requires finesse.
6. That's not something the Trump administration either has or understands the need for.
