“Nobody knows the system better than me, which is why I alone can fix it.” — Donald Trump, at the 2016 Republican National Convention.

The US president has always been a loner, in politics, business and life. His inherent distrust of others, belief that every contest is a zero-sum game, inherited wealth, detachment from reality and abiding self-regard all play into this. He also harbors a long-standing fascination with swift, bold and unilateral solutions to complex challenges — whether that involves prosecuting a perilous war in Iran, launching inflationary trade battles or jumping headlong into this week’s bruising midterm election.

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Trump’s preference for piloting solo also encourages him to double down when he fails, with little regard for consequences. The shellacking the president and Republicans endured in the midterms — with Democrats handily winning control of both chambers of Congress — formally ushers Trump into the lame-duck chapter of his second White House tour. That might recommend compromise and collaboration, in the interest of responding to an epic electoral implosion by considering and meeting voters’ needs.

Trump certainly gestured in that direction once the magnitude of his defeat became apparent. “I think I can work with everything,” he told Fox News in the wee hours of Wednesday morning when asked if he planned to cooperate with Democrats. He generously congratulated his opponents and didn’t question the bona fides of their victory.

He could have left it at that, but, of course, he didn’t.

“They’re in control, but they’re really not in control,” he allowed, reminding the Fox crew and its audience that he still has the power to veto Democratic legislation he........

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