politics

Opinion

Mr. Bruni is a contributing Opinion writer; Mr. Stephens is an Opinion columnist.

Opinion

TL;DR

  • Canada has shown contempt for US bullying under Trump's presidency.
  • Iran mocks Trump's predictions of a swift victory.
  • Trump's 'speak loudly and carry a puny strand of spaghetti' approach is seen as an embarrassment and an opening for Russia and China.
  • Machiavelli's warning about being hated but not feared is applied to the US under Trump.
  • The author hopes this is a temporary phase of 'insanity' that will end in 2029.
  • A contrasting view suggests Trump is an expression of America's id and resentments, signaling a decline.
  • Trump has exploited an 'ugly' aspect of the American soul, likened to a burlesque performer.
  • Despite this, a majority of Americans reportedly disapprove of Trump's presidency and value the idea of America as an ideal.