Trump’s Northern Ireland envoy quits after Washington DC disorder

At the time of Mick Mulvaney’s appointment in March, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo described him as “a valued advisor to both President Donald Trump and to me”.

He was speaking as hordes of Trump supporters flooded into the building housing the US Congress, some vandalising property and even trying to storm into the main chamber, in protest at what they claim was a “stolen” election.

Police shot dead one woman.

There have also been reports of other deaths,

Mick Mulvaney has served as acting White House Chief of Staff, and was previously a Congressman.

A US Embassy statement hailing his appointment said: “Special Envoy Mulvaney has been deeply engaged in the Administration’s policy in Northern Ireland, including a recent visit in February to Belfast, where he participated in a cross-community program and met with community leaders, businesses, and government officials.

“His familiarity with the people and leaders in Belfast, London, and Dublin will be instrumental to ensure further progress in Northern Ireland.”

Speaking today on CNBC (where he was incorrectly introduced as “envoy to Ireland”) he said:

“It’s a small job, it’s a part time gig, but it’s all I’ve got in the administration...

“I can’t do it. I can’t stay. It’s a nothing thing. It doesn’t affect the outcome, doesn’t affect the transition, but it’s what I’ve got.

“And it’s a position I really enjoy doing. But you can’t do it.

“I wouldn’t be surprised to see more of my friends resign over the course of the next 24, 48 hours; it’d be completely understandable...

“Those who do choose to stay, I’ve talked to a couple of them, are choosing to stay because they are concerned the president might put someone in to replace them who could make things even worse.

“I can’t stay here. Not after yesterday.

“You can’t look at that yesterday and say I want to be a part of that in any way shape or form.”

The disorder is perhaps the most significant seen this year in the USA, given the pre-eminence of the venue targeted.

But it comes against a backdrop of months of street disorder – some of it also spilling over into violence, including fatal shootings – beginning in the wake of George Floyd’s death.

The epicentre of that unrest has been Portland, Oregon, involving crowds linked to left-wing causes like Antifa and BLM, but similar unrest also flared in other, bigger cities, at times involving opponents of BLM/Antifa like the right-wing Proud Boys and Patriot Prayer.

The BBC has described the latest outbreak of chaos on Capitol Hill as a “dark day for US democracy”, and questions have been asked how the protestors were permitted to gain entry to the building in the first place.

The BBC also reports that Mr Mulvaney joins a list of officials who have stepped down in reaction to the violent pro-Trump demonstration.

It cites the following list of people; Deputy Press Secretary Sarah Matthews, the chief of staff of First Lady Melania Trump, Stephanie Grisham, White House Social Secretary Rickie Niceta, and Deputy National Security Advisor Matt Pottinger.

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