while hating the other half - In Brooks explanation of individualism, Trump is a monger of individualism and he hates and even despises all others outside his offspring (and even they might not all fit into his sphere).
Trump uses American or, I'm an American to mean, I can get away with anything I want and my enchantment is myself the way my Daddy taught me to be.
Money has protected his institution of self-absorption all his life and now being POTUS, it's his steroid. Empathy, feeling and governance isn't in his make-up - and neither is intelligence or thought. He's a shell of salt. There are no "great joys or great feelings" for Trump. He's and idiot sociopath. To that issue, he has allowed another sociopath, McConnell to pollute our political system and democracy to another end.
Great piece by Brooks - I don't always agree with his sum, but this is one of those well seasoned recipes of American life that is plated beautifully.
Excellent post.