Only Donald Trump could turn a prayer breakfast into a celebrity roast. During the National Prayer Breakfast, Trump became an insult comedian, aiming a steady stream of invective. For example, he referred to Republican Congressman Thomas Massie as a “moron”. So an event which was initiated in the 1950’s to show a moment of unity amidst division became a vehicle for a seventy-five-minute rant.

Not that Trump was made for a moment of national brotherhood week, but his actions have thrown all political caution to the wind. Admittedly, he has never favored rituals, which he regards as phony. He shares with Alabama Governor George Wallace in 1966 the belief that “there is too much dignity in government”; Trump no doubt thinks that should be a permanent feature of leadership. But when Wallace said it, he was campaigning for his wife, Lurleen, who was running for governor. Trump is the President, and that does make a difference.

Presidents need to appeal to the public in times of crisis. However, Trump is not very good at delivering a measured message. When he does, he reads it blandly with a “Do I really have to say this?” look. Moreover, he believes he is permanently at war with his “enemies”. Being an “enemy” is easy. Take the dismissal of Marjorie Taylor Greene as unhinged, all because she questioned the dear leader on Jeffrey Epstein. One slip can void endless acts of loyalty that Greene displayed.

This is the attitude of an omnipotent King, not a politician. The recent meme against President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama depicting them as apes shows just how bad it can get. Later, he tried to write it off as something from The Lion King. This, after allowing for this offensive post to stay up for twelve hours. This is like a boorish King displaying joy at the discomfiture of a servant, a fool, or a page, actions unrestrained by any sense of decency.

Undisciplined behavior indicates that he holds humanity in contempt. Smashing the White House East Wing, taking over the Kennedy Center, and withholding funds for already approved projects because he wants them named for him. Egotism, hubris, and arrogance cannot only bring down those temporary occupants of the White House but also destroy the Republic.

And it is not normal, not even for Trump. Sometimes he could be entertaining, but he was usually at campaign rallies. He has always had a rough-and-ready style, but lately he seems different, more bitter and less funny. At the National Prayer Breakfast, Trump seemed anxious to prove that the globe was his to spin regardless of the consequences. He definitely was not Dean Martin at a smoker; he was sour with no sweet to balance the acidity.

And the guard rails have given way. His cabinet resembles a middle management eager to please the boss. The problem with that is that Trump, like many leaders, needs a few pointers. But merely questioning or expressing, even privately, minor disagreements, can land the advisor in hot water. As Trump continues to lurch from one controversy to another, he should hope that his threats and bluster do not plunge the nation into an existential crisis.