Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
I’m greatest President ever and we WILL build the wall
Fears for Trump after 75-minute rant
FEARS were last night growing over Donald Trump’s mental health after he delivered a rambling speech in which he bragged about being the best ever US president.
The Republican also reiterated his pledge to build a wall at the Mexican border, laid into the media and had a pop at the “elite” – while boasting of his own wealth and lifestyle.
After his 75-minute tirade, there were calls for the 25th Amendment to be invoked to remove him from office.
Former CIA director James Clapper said: “I find this downright scary and disturbing. I really question his ability… his fitness to be in office.”
And political commentator Robert Reich tweeted: “I think Trump is losing it. Seriously. Isn’t this what the 25th amendment was designed for?”
Mr Trump told supporters at a rally in Phoenix, Arizona: “I don’t believe any president has accomplished as much as this president in the first six or seven months.” Turning to the “elite”, he said: “I always hear about the elite. I went to better schools than they did. I live in a bigger, more beautiful apartment, and I live in the White House.”
On the Mexican wall, the president added: “Believe me if we have to close down our government, we’re building that wall.” As he spoke, around 3,000 anti-trump protestors clashed with police outside – a reminder of the deep divisions he is causing despite his claims of uniting America. Mr Trump responded to criticism of his failure to initially condemn neo-nazis over the race riot in Charlottesville, Virginia. But he failed to mention he blamed “many sides” for clashes in which a demonstrator died.
He even attacked the media for its coverage of the violence, branding journalists reporting the facts “bad people” who “don’t like our country”. Mr Trump praised North Korea despot Kim Jong-un for “starting to respect” the US. And he signalled he may pardon ex Arizona sheriff Joe Arpaio, who was convicted of criminal contempt for detaining people he merely suspected of being undocumented immigrants.