As a businessman, Donald Trump said his objective was self-serving.
“You really do what’s best for you, you know, for almost purely monetary reasons. You know, you make your money,” Mr. Trump told TV news anchors shortly before he delivered his State of the Union address Tuesday night.
If such a soul-sucking view of business were widespread, the world would be in a world of hurt.
As president, Mr. Trump said he is finding the job requires a new dimension, that of compassion, and, yes, that’s taking some adjustment.
It’s safe to assume Mr. Trump was elected because of his outsized personality after years as a reality TV star. Supporters excused his boorish behavior in return for his promise to shake things up.
But after a year of Mr. Trump’s assaults on the Constitution, the Justice Department, the FBI, the CIA, victims of abuse, women, minorities, immigrants and our allies abroad, we’ve come to realize that at his core he’s still that businessman.
Which is why the president’s approval ratings remain in the tank.
MR. TRUMP could work his way into our better graces by doing a few simple things, including:
1. Releasing his income tax returns from the last several years, proving, (a) he has no financial ties to Russia or any other suspect actors or accounts, and (b) how he will be affected by the recently passed tax reform. On Nov. 29, Mr. Trump said the revised tax measures will work to the advantage of the middle class but will “Cost me a fortune, believe me. This thing is not good for me.” Mr. Trump’s refusal to release his returns, despite campaign claims to the contrary, breaks with decades of presidential protocol. Such secrecy is worrisome.
2. Severing all ties between his private businesses and the presidency also would help shore up his public image. Up until now, U.S. presidents have disinvested themselves completely of their private affairs when they assume office. Instead, Mr. Trump uses the presidency to parlay his business empire to even greater heights.
3. Coming forward about Russia and whether he welcomed its interference in the 2016 presidential election is a long shot, we know, but Mr. Trump’s efforts to discredit the investigation is a threat to democracy. Even a president must respect the rule of law. Without it, we are on the path to anarchy.
And then there’s just the simple request — as Mr. Trump alluded to — of trying a little compassion.
You know, by not smearing all immigrants as violent gang members or condoning racist demonstrations; by supporting those who have suffered racial and sexual discrimination or harassment, and by working to see all Americans have adequate health care and are paid a living wage.
It’s only by respecting others that Mr. Trump can get it for himself.
It’s a two-way street.
— Susan Lynn
