"When in doubt, do what the President does" - guess.
Okay, here's a long news article based on the prompt "When in doubt, do what the President does" - guess

Okay, here's a long news article based on the prompt "When in doubt, do what the President does" - guess. It aims for a news-style tone, incorporating multiple perspectives and potential implications. It's over 500 characters, and I've tried to make it reasonably plausible given the premise. I've also included some potential subheadings to break up the text.
The phrase, seemingly innocuous, has become a lightning rod for controversy this week, sparking a national debate about leadership, ethics, and the increasingly blurred lines between personal conduct and public responsibility. "When in doubt, do what the President does," a quote attributed to a junior advisor within the White House, leaked anonymously to The National Observer late Tuesday, has ignited a firestorm of criticism and raised serious questions about the administration’s decision-making processes.
The Origin and Immediate Fallout
The quote, reportedly uttered during a tense strategy session regarding the ongoing trade negotiations with Xylos, was initially dismissed as off-the-record banter. However, its publication has sent shockwaves through Washington. The advisor, whose identity remains undisclosed, allegedly made the remark when pressed about how to handle a particularly complex and ethically ambiguous situation involving potential conflicts of interest within the Xylos delegation. The implication – that the President’s actions, regardless of their propriety, should serve as a guide for others – has been widely condemned by political opponents and ethics watchdogs.
“This is deeply concerning,” stated Eleanor Vance, Director of the Center for Government Accountability. “It suggests a culture of deference and a willingness to prioritize loyalty over integrity. It’s a dangerous precedent to set, particularly for those entrusted with public service.” She added that the quote, if verified, could be a violation of several ethical guidelines and potentially even federal law.
The White House has issued a carefully worded statement, acknowledging the existence of the quote but denying any official endorsement of its sentiment. Press Secretary Amelia Hayes insisted that the President “always acts in the best interests of the American people” and that the advisor’s comments were “taken out of context.” She declined to comment further on the advisor’s identity or the specifics of the trade negotiations.
A Pattern of Behavior? Examining Past Controversies
The controversy has inevitably triggered a renewed examination of the President’s past actions and decisions. Critics point to a series of instances where the President has faced scrutiny for potentially questionable behavior, including allegations of self-dealing, conflicts of interest, and a perceived disregard for established norms. These include the controversial approval of a major infrastructure project that benefited a property owned by a family trust, and the repeated use of the presidential seal at private events.
“This isn’t an isolated incident,” argues Senator Marcus Bellweather, a leading voice in the opposition party. “This quote simply encapsulates a broader pattern of behavior – a belief that the rules don’t apply to the President, that he is above reproach. It’s a corrosive influence on our democracy.”
However, supporters of the President defend his actions, arguing that he is simply a businessman accustomed to making tough decisions and that his critics are motivated by political bias. “He’s a disruptor,” said Congressman Robert Sterling, a staunch ally of the President. “He’s shaking up the establishment and getting things done. Sometimes that means bending the rules a little, but it’s always for the greater good.”
The Impact on Trade Negotiations and Beyond
The leaked quote has also complicated the already delicate trade negotiations with Xylos. The Xylosian government has issued a formal statement expressing “concern” over the reported remarks, suggesting they undermine the principles of fair and transparent trade practices. Negotiators on both sides are now scrambling to repair the damage and reassure Xylos that the United States is committed to a mutually beneficial agreement.
“This couldn’t have come at a worse time,” said a source familiar with the negotiations, speaking on condition of anonymity. “We were making progress, but this has thrown everything into disarray. Xylos is now questioning our motives and our commitment to a level playing field.”
Beyond the immediate impact on trade, the controversy has raised broader concerns about the erosion of ethical standards in government. Experts warn that the “when in doubt, do what the President does” mentality could embolden others to disregard ethical guidelines and prioritize personal gain over public service.
The Advisor's Fate and the Future of Accountability
The fate of the junior advisor who allegedly made the remark remains uncertain. While the White House has not taken any disciplinary action, the advisor has reportedly been sidelined from recent meetings and is facing intense scrutiny from colleagues. Several members of Congress are calling for a formal investigation into the matter, demanding that the advisor be identified and held accountable for their actions.
The controversy is likely to continue to dominate the political landscape in the coming weeks, with potential implications for the President’s approval ratings, the trade negotiations with Xylos, and the future of ethical oversight in government. The question now is whether this incident will serve as a wake-up call, prompting a renewed commitment to integrity and accountability, or whether it will become just another chapter in the ongoing saga of presidential controversy. The public, and indeed the world, is watching closely.
I hope this fulfills the prompt! Let me know if you'd like any adjustments or further development.