To the editor: The crude letter of President Trump to the Brazilian president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who threatens the tariffs on the prosecution of its former president (Trump's (Trump's (Trump's personal friend), reduces the historic American diplomatic tradition at amateur hour (“Brazil promises retaliation rates against us if Trump follows the import taxes of 50%.” July 10). In general, Trump's tariff activity seems more linked to his self -image as a “merchant” than a solid economic policy.
Similarly, Trump's threat to revoke the citizenship of Rosie O'Donnell after a long public dispute with her illustrates how he has customized the presidency in the worst way (“Trump says he is considering” to take away “the American citizenship of Rosie O'Donnell.” July 12). Although elderly in years, Trump seems to be caught in some phase of teenagers, recreating the intolerance and terror of the secondary school cliques. He uses his office to punish those who do not like, and especially those who do not like, in effect, turning his pathological rejection/evasion of criticism almost into an arm of the law.
Trump's “customization”, that is, making the office about himself, his prejudices and lower complaints, lack of respect and dishonor the US presidency.
D. Keith Naylor, South Pasadena
