Trump plays media like a virtuoso

President Trump, the Great Kapellmeister We could say that Donald Trump has played the media like a violin, but that would not begin to capture his virtuosity. In fact, he plays the media like a symphonic orchestra.

Let us be clear: Donald Trump does not hate the media. The media has made him what he is today. With outrageous pronouncements, he captures the daily news cycle every day.

He has now turned his attention to the only foil large enough to capture everyone's attention, by declaring the media his enemy and asserting they put out fake news.

More recently he has taken further steps down this treacherous and tortured path by declaring the media to be "the enemy of the people" (how Stalinesque). His minions have gone so far as to exclude from White House briefings news outlets that they view as critical of Trump.

Even as his administration ramps up their unsubstantiated charges about fake news, his supporters continue to admonish us not to take him literally, but focus on his intent. What a quandary that puts us in.

We could take him at his word that he hates the media, which keeps the faithful among his followers in a state of confusion and agitation.

We could take his statements as a distraction that misdirects us to focus on "The Circus" instead of his actions and lack of accomplishments.

No matter the interpretation, he is undermining a most important pillar of our democracy - a free press, reporting without fear or favor. Are his statements purposeful or just collateral damage of his bizarre behavior?

We won't know what this orchestra is playing until the Great Kapellmeister brings the symphony to a close. But we do know that he waves the baton and the media responds, with the music he conducts.

Lynn Jensen

Arlington Heights