Trump is pioneering the role of commentator-in-chief when issues grow thorny

The president is constantly assigning motives, identifying heroes and villains, and telling his audience what to think This was originally published in This Week in Trumpland. Sign up to receive it in your inbox every Wednesday From Charles Barkley to Thierry Henry to John McEnroe, the path from the arena to the commentary box is well trodden, and plenty of politicians have made the transition from elected office to the TV studio. One man, however, insists on doing both at the same time. Donald Trump is the US president, empowered to kill terrorists, grant pardons, sign and veto bills, and represent the nation on the world stage. But when issues become thorny, as they have of late, he is wont to embrace an alternative role as commentator-in-chief. Continue reading...

David Smith in Washington · Wed, Aug 5, 2026, 10:00 AM
US news | The Guardian

Trump is pioneering the role of commentator-in-chief when issues grow thorny

The president is constantly assigning motives, identifying heroes and villains, and telling his audience what to think

This was originally published in This Week in Trumpland. Sign up to receive it in your inbox every Wednesday

From Charles Barkley to Thierry Henry to John McEnroe, the path from the arena to the commentary box is well trodden, and plenty of politicians have made the transition from elected office to the TV studio. One man, however, insists on doing both at the same time.

Donald Trump is the US president, empowered to kill terrorists, grant pardons, sign and veto bills, and represent the nation on the world stage. But when issues become thorny, as they have of late, he is wont to embrace an alternative role as commentator-in-chief.

This page shows an excerpt; reporting belongs to the original publisher. Some images or embeds may be omitted compared with the live article.