Panicked Trump is lashing out

THERE are weeks when Donald Trump merely embarrasses the United States.

- CHRISTOPHER BUCKTIN

And then there are the deluxe editions, the moments when he appears determined to audition as a full-time warning from history.Last week was one of those, a seven-day 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.