It is somewhat mystifying that there’s anyone left who works for Donald Trump of their own volition.

How can people continue to defend him when he so often acts like a child? How can Pam Bondi, for example, sit at a hearing and avoid answering most questions because she suspects such behavior pleases Trump? What kind of concessions have she and many others made over the years? Maybe they have to sign an NDA which includes a clause stating that all hires must check their bullshit meters at the door for the duration of their employment.

It’s quite remarkable that so many continue to play along and tout his praises. It might make one wonder if their convictions and admiration are genuine, or if they’ve drunk the Kool-Aid and recognize the futility in trying to save face.

Pam Bondi’s time in front of the Epstein oversight committee was a sight to behold, but only because it confirmed that these meetings are useless in terms of learning anything. The stonewalling, the purposeful misdirection, the belligerent and dismissive tone, the snooty attitude Ms. Bondi displayed– they all added up to just more wasted time for everyone.

And of course, Jim Jordan did his best to manipulate the proceedings and tilt the playing field.

No amount of passionate, animated speech on the Democratic side even mattered, since this type of hearing often ends up being perceived as a power struggle, complete with high-octane bickering, and a despicable display of partisanship. They might as well not have held it.

Sadly, the Dems overplayed the victim card when they pretty much forced Ms. Bondi to turn to some of the victims who had gathered and apologize to them.  This only provided undue drama and seemed more like a publicity stunt than anything someone would agree to do—partly because they were putting words in Bondi’s mouth, but also because what were the chances she’d comply with such a request, given that she’s a Team Trump player who likes pleasing her boss?

At play in this setting is a burning desire on the part of Democrats to find a weak spot, create a gotcha moment before the world that exposes the smarmy, devil-may-care attitude of not only Bondi but the whole Trump administration. It’s like this whole crew deserves a comeuppance and wake-up call. But they’re really good at deflection and playing defense.

And let’s face it—their offensive strategy has yielded results as well. Still, it’s very hard to watch, and painful, because they all come across as ugly human beings who harbor a frightening vision for America, who savor the bully pulpit and behave like they’re in the driver’s seat.

The Nancy Guthrie disappearance must feel like a godsend to the Trump administration. Any media frenzy not feeding on the Epstein files or some other nefarious activity means welcome distraction they for once didn’t generate (unless they did). It conveniently takes eyes off of their election interference efforts, among other things, as we head to the midterms later this year.

The Guthrie case itself has been a strange one, with a paucity of information, a certain confusion and almost a throwing up of hands at times. It makes me wonder if the FBI has lost its mojo trying to operate under the cloud of Donald Trump and the inexperience of Kash Patel.

Theories abound, strange video footage has materialized, and there’s been no proof that Ms. Guthrie is still alive. This seems like one of those cases headed toward some sort of sensational conclusion.

Apparently, this administration does have a vision, albeit a dystopian one. I assume it’s the brainchild of Stephen Miller, but Trump must be OK with it. In any event, the bullshit avalanche keeps advancing.

It is heartening to see the pushback against use of massive storage facilities being turned into detention centers, i.e. prison camps—a network of camps across the country, billions being spent on these places that will turn into hell on earth for the people brought there as prisoners, with conditions so distasteful that the only logical alternative becomes self-deportation.

What a horrible dilemma for people just wanting a place to call home.

Is it wearing on us as a nation yet—knowing that these facilities already exist and that there are plans to create many more of them? That we’ll be trying to carry on with our lives as we drive by these massive buildings full of people in limbo, being treated poorly, being forced to settle and return to the places from which they were trying to escape?

Who decides to leave their country of origin and trek to America, unless they have good reason for doing so? I realize immigration is a massively complicated issue, and not everyone who comes across the border has good intentions, but the Trump administration tact is lazy and heartless, its own reveal of the character of the people running this government right now.

It’s easy to be mean, a lot harder to be thoughtful and measured in one’s reaction to human fear and suffering. Miller and others have to be aware of this, yet they have no problem rubbing salt in the wounds.

The people can make distinctions. They cheered the American athletes but booed J.D. Vance. That’s the way it should be, because he’s the villain. He’s the one who has decided to bide his time, play the lackey until Trump either keels over or gets impeached (one can always hope).

He stands in the VIP boxes with his wife—who, one must suspect, has made her own deals with the devil—and smiles as if all is forgotten, as if the administration he’s part of hasn’t revealed itself to be the legion of doom, the thorn in the world’s side.

Here’s to an entertaining two weeks in Italy, a welcome break from the daily stupidity and mayhem.

We best keep an eye on what’s going on back home, though.