Expressing empathy remains a challenge for Trump
The anxious counsel from his aides as Trump prepared to react to the largest mass shooting in
Trump's challenges with empathy were on full display this week, as he responded to two disasters at once with very different results. Trump ultimately stuck to the script in
This account is based on conversations with 11
Presidents are remembered for the way they respond in moments of great tumult or trial.
Trump's response to the devastation in
In the first days after Maria, Trump was more focused on his feud with NFL players who were kneeling during the national anthem, blasting them in private to his allies and in public on Twitter. As images of the devastation in
Despite the scenes of devastation around Cruz, Trump decided to hit back on Twitter, ignoring advice from Kelly and homeland security adviser
The public has been watching.
Just 32 percent of Americans approve of how Trump has handled disaster relief in the
"When we see the president of
The president, however, believed his trip to
"I think he's an old school
After Trump's bumpy response to the
Trump often struggled as a candidate to exude the kind of empathy that comes naturally to some politicians. In the summer of 2016, aides tried repeatedly to explain to Trump why his attacks on Khizr Khan, a Muslim-American whose son was killed fighting for the
His staff tried to limit small, potentially emotional gatherings with supporters, knowing that Trump preferred the distance of a large, roaring crowd. In October, as he made a last-minute push to win
But Trump was far more focused on the endorsement he was set to receive later that day and, as de la Pena choked up recounting her tale, his eyes wandered around the room, only turning to say "very sad story" when the tearful mother finished speaking.
Former advisers say Trump also appears to lack any understanding of the impact his often sharp-tongued tirades can have on aides. One adviser recalled being berated by Trump in the
Lemire reported from
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