The Atlantic

Donald Trump Is Thirsty for Respect

In a speech billed as a “major statement,” the president had little to offer but a summary of his Asia trip.
Source: Joshua Roberts / Reuters

President Trump returned from a 12-day trip to Asia Tuesday carrying little except some souvenirs and a sense of umbrage. Wednesday afternoon, he stepped to a lectern in the White House and showed the nation what he brought home with him.

Trump’s speech, delivered formally, from a teleprompter, was confusing. The president had tweeted that the nation could expect a “” upon his return, feeding speculation about what he might offer: New sanctions on North Korea? A diplomatic breakthrough? A trade agreement? But as the president

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