Panicked Trump is lashing out

HERE are weeks when Donald Trump merely embarrasses the United States. And then there are the deluxe editions, the moments when he appears determined to audition as a full-time warning from history.

- CHRISTOPHER BUCKTIN ON EVENTS IN THE UNITED STATES

Recently we saw one of those, a masterclass in menace, chaos and presidential self-parody.

It began with the latest Epstein document dump, which included a private assessment from the disgraced financier painting Trump as uniquely devoid of decency.

In response, the president did what he always does when confronted with criticism: he proved it true.

On Air Force One, he snapped at a reporter who dared to ask about Epstein. His chosen insult, “Quiet, piggy”, was delivered with the theatrical relish of a man who believes misogyny is part of the job description. For any other political figure, it would be catastrophic. For Trump, it barely registered as a warm-up act.

Soon after, he rolled out the gold-plated carpet for Saudi Arabia's crown prince, widely accused of ordering the butchering of Jamal Khashoggi.