Take this to the bank: If Trump says legislation is coming 'shortly thereafter,' it's likely dead

One place Donald Trump is totally predictable is in his complete ignorance of the legislative process. But fret not, look no further than this friendly phrase to know when things are headed south: "shortly thereafter."

Think of it like a legislative snooze button—Trump's go-to when he has zero idea what’s actually happening. For instance, here he is on Trumpcare 1.0 in early January:

Mr. Trump appeared to be unclear both about the timing of already scheduled votes in Congress and about the difficulty of his demand — a repeal vote “probably some time next week” and a replacement “very quickly or simultaneously, very shortly thereafter.” 

Yeah, not so much. Or rather, maybe not at all.

And here's Trump on Thursday, handicapping Trumpcare 2.0:

"I'd like to say next week, but it will be — I believe we will get it. And whether it's next week or shortly thereafter."

Gee, sounds familiar. Yet 24 hours later, Trump exploited his “shortly thereafter” loophole.