‘The weaker he gets, the more dangerous he gets’: Trump lashes out as his power wanes

There is a widening gap between the president’s self-perceived invincibility and the reality of his waning influence. Illustration: Guardian Design / Getty Images

Donald Trump stood before the United Nations on Tuesday and threatened to “annihilate” Iran. Yet even as the most powerful man on the planet flexed his military muscles, he was powerless to keep the gravitational pull of domestic politics at bay.

Heading into the UN building in New York, the US president was questioned by Kaitlan Collins, an anchor at CNN, which he had banned from the White House before a judge ruled against him. “I’m surprised that CNN is here covering me,” the 80-year-old snapped. “You should not be here covering me.”