Over the past week, it has become clear that President Trump is more interested in saving his political future than he is in doing the right thing.
Every single appropriate response Trump has had to last week’s violent display has been too little, too late. He ordered the American flags at the White House to be lowered in honor of the two U.S. Capitol Police officers who died in the wake of the riot, only after facing criticism for not having done so sooner. He waited a full day to denounce the rioters who ransacked the Capitol building in his name. And he conceded the election to President-elect Joe Biden only after members from both political parties threatened to remove him from office.
In other words, Trump has acted only when he believes action will benefit him — never mind the country (or even the party) he’s been charged with leading. But Trump’s self-interest is, per usual, the one thing that will guarantee his demise. He is unable to see past himself, and it is destroying his legacy, as well as any hope he might have had for a political future.
If Trump had condemned the mob that sacked the Capitol immediately after the violence had broken out, Republicans might not have turned on him. If he had taken charge and demanded a thorough investigation into last Wednesday’s perpetrators, Congress might have been more willing to work with him. Instead, Trump waited, complained about the election some more, and boxed out loyal members of his administration, including Vice President Mike Pence.
The only thing left for Trump to do is resign. Dedicated members of his administration are jumping ship. Democrats are intent on impeaching him once again, and unlike last time, they will likely find Republican support in both the House and Senate — perhaps enough to disqualify him from holding future office. Unless Trump wants an even bigger stain on his administration’s accomplishments, he should take personal responsibility and step down.
But if the past week has proven anything, it’s that responsible behavior from Trump is unlikely. He will continue to do the bare minimum and hold on to power for as long as he can — even if he destroys himself in the process.
