Trump is pioneering the role of commentator-in-chief when issues grow thorny

The Guardian observes an unusual pattern in President Trump's approach to governance: when issues become difficult, he increasingly shifts into commentator mode, assigning narratives and directing how the public interprets events. Columnist David Smith compares this to retired sports figures like Barkley and McEnroe who transitioned to broadcast commentary—except those figures first left the arena. Trump is attempting both roles simultaneously.

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