, Columnist
Trump Inflicts Pain With Purpose
The president is not the champion of the denizens of the “real America.” He is their avenger.
He’s mean. They want that.
Photographer: George Frey/Getty ImagesThis article is for subscribers only.
President Donald Trump’s chaotic first weeks have featured a recurring theme not generally associated with deliberate means and ends of U.S. government policy.
His sudden travel ban on seven Muslim-majority countries left grandmothers stranded incommunicado in American airports, unable to reach family members waiting to receive them. Other detained travelers were denied access to lawyers, as well as family. An infant girl, whose grandparents are American citizens, was prohibited from traveling to Oregon for treatment of a serious heart ailment until extraordinary pressure was applied by Oregon politicians.