Commentary: Anonymous op-ed should unite America, not divide

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Another week in the Trump White House, another week of controversy.

The New York Times on Wednesday stopped time, it seemed, when it published an op-ed piece written by an anonymous senior official in the Trump Administration.

The editorial is of interest because it confirmed what many of us suspected — there are officials in the White House who outwardly support the president, but behind the scenes are trying to “frustrate parts of his agenda and his worst inclinations.”

No one should be surprised that this is the case. But what is surprising is the public’s reaction to what the author described as a different kind of resistance against Trump than “the left’s.”

Trump supporters have called for the author’s resignation, and Trump himself tweeted Wednesday that the official should turn themselves over to the government immediately. High-ranking officials like Vice President Mike Pence and Trump Chief of Staff John Kelly swiftly denied having written the editorial and have added to demands for resignation.

Trump’s anger is understandable, whether you choose to believe the author’s words or not. No president wants to be seen as weak by his rivals, let alone his own constituents. 

Above all, it is disappointing that information such as this will continue to divide instead of unite a nation that was broken long before Trump took office.

Ironically, however, liberals and conservatives are united in the debate over the identity of the mystery official.

But why does it matter?

The editorial is out there and has, perhaps permanently, changed our perceptions of the president — not that some people’s opinions weren’t set long ago.

If anything, those concerned about whether Trump is of sound mind and body should take comfort in the fact that there is a group in the White House looking out for the public’s well-being whenever the president gets the notion of shaking up our democracy.

No matter the author’s intentions, there are other ways to help the country besides possibly committing treason. Under the 25th Amendment the president can be removed from office by death, resignation, removal from office or impairment. If Trump cannot make sound decisions for the benefit of this country, then an investigation should be made to determine whether the 25th Amendment needs to be invoked.

Instead of conducting a manhunt for the author or shaming the Times for publishing the piece, we should all be cognizant of the constant changes occurring in this administration. Until we have information to put a nail in this story’s coffin, it is pointless to continue arguing with one another about what we all think we know.

As has been the case in this administration thus far, the truth will eventually come out.