Rules of Disorder

President Trump has three rules for operating in the world of government and politics. Time learned of them from a White House official and describes them this way: "When you're right, you fight. Controversy elevates message. And never apologize."

The rules sound like Trump and like no other president with the possible exception of Andrew Jackson, who's a Trump role model. They touch on Trump's character and are the underpinning of his combative, relentless style.

But the rules keep Trump in constant trouble. As often as not, they bring out the worst in him. It's not harmful to Trump or his administration when he infuriates Democrats, the left, or adversaries like Iran. It's when he alienates friends and allies that he and the country suffer.

Let's start with the rule on fighting when he's right. The problem is that Trump always believes he's right. And this leads to no-win clashes harmful to his credibility and presidency.

The London Bridge attack in May buttressed the president's case about the threat posed by "radical Islamic terrorists." But instead of focusing on that, he picked a fight with London mayor Sadiq Khan. He quoted Khan out of context and accused him of downgrading the terrorist threat.