The Atlantic

Trump’s Shallow Sympathies

The president’s self-absorption and unease with death and suffering make him ill-suited for the consoling role demanded of him.
Source: Pablo Martinez Monsivais / AP

It could have been worse. Responding to the death of George H. W. Bush, with whom he had a slow-simmering feud, President Donald Trump avoided taking a swipe, and instead paid his respects to his Republican predecessor.

Still, the president’s remarks to reporters in Argentina, where he was traveling for the G20 summit, were peculiar. “He was a very fine man. I met him on a number of occasions,” Trump said. “He was a terrific guy and he’ll be missed. He lived a full life and an exemplary life.”

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