The worst thing Trump has done (on a long list of things)

A right-leaning friend asked me over lunch the other day what is the worst thing Trump has done since he took office. There is much competition for the prize. 

Is it the rampant corruption in Washington, using the criminal justice system for revenge on personal and political enemies? Is it pressuring law firms, universities and media companies to achieve political ends? Barring press from the White House because he doesn’t like what they report? Weakening our alliances? Warring with science and the arts? The fiasco in Iran and the global exposure of our military’s weaknesses?

Then there’s the self-valorizing East Wing ballroom or the Arc de Trump. Is it a pass to the dangers of AI, the outrageous lies or his repeated savaging of the three Supreme Court justices he appointed because he doesn’t like their decisions? 

Take your pick; it’s a long list. 

No wonder the Democrats are predicted to sweep the midterms. But don’t be so sure. At the recent Republican convention, Trump told his flock to “cheat like hell.” The vote may be suppressed. There could be interference with state certifications. FBI Director Kash Patel suggested to Congress he might send federal agents to the polls. Their presence may intimidate eligible voters.

Then, there is the coup d’état. Former Judge J. Michael Luttig painted a nightmare scenario: What if Trump and the Republicans lose the House but refuse to concede? Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) — Mike Pence, he is not — could orchestrate such a steal. Garrett Epps notes that the country faced something like this twice, in 1863 and 1865. Both times, the ship of state almost capsized. Epps........

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