The Trump regime announced last week that they're drafting new rules that would roll back the Obama-era requirement that the government and government contractors purchase energy-efficient LED lightbulbs rather than ancient incandescent bulbs.
The decision seemingly came out of nowhere as congressional Republicans dropped their crusade against energy efficiency years ago, so where did the decision come from?
It could be that the Trump regime is giving certain lobbyists what they want, or it could be as simple as Trump routinely resembling an orange Muppet.
"People said what's with the light bulb? I said here’s the story, and I looked at it: The bulb that we're being forced to use — No. 1, to me, most importantly, the light's no good. I always look orange," Trump said during a speech at a House Republican retreat dinner.
He said he's not the only one that the bulbs affect: He told the crowd that they, too, take on an orange tone under the lights.
"Most importantly," Trump said, he "always looks orange."
Trump went on to complain that energy-efficient bulbs cost more money, which is true, but he left out that it saves money in the long term because LED bulbs use less electricity and last significantly longer.
He also left out that energy-efficient bulbs are better for the environment but, you know, duh? Republicans don't give a shit about that. They're incapable of thinking about anyone but themselves or capable of thinking beyond the immediate future of the next quarterly report.
Assuming the Trump regime is acting with the most cynical motivations is often a safe bet, but you can always fall back on the dumbest motivations. I think this decision falls somewhere between the two.
This story has been reported as if Trump was kidding, but I don't think he was even if he prefers that we think that.