President Donald Trump’s backhoe gouged, slashed and ultimately demolished the East Wing of the White House last week, an unauthorized, illegal act and a metaphor for the way in which he has, since Jan. 20, purported to rule, not govern, while shredding the constitutional provisions, norms and laws that have well served this nation for more than two centuries.

The objection here is not to remodeling the East Wing, though sentiments, historic moments and traditions urge restraint. Indeed, previous presidents have made significant changes in that part of the White House where first ladies conducted important business, hosted memorable receptions and advanced worthy causes. It was in the East Wing that Nancy Reagan launched her “Just Say No Campaign” to fighting drugs. Betty Ford called the

See Full Page