I’ll begin by stating that the fire at Trump Tower was a tragedy. 200 firefighters and emergency personnel were required to fight the fire, at least four firefighters were injured, and a 67-year-old resident lost his life. Sadly, the man was only living in the apartment because, after the 2016 election, he was unable to sell it. With Secret Service and media camped out at the building, it felt like a prison. And when prospective buyers found out it was in Trump Tower, he couldn’t give it away.

His death didn’t have to happen. After two deadly high-rise fires in the nineties, the City of New York proposed an ordinance to require sprinkler systems in all high-rise buildings. But Trump claimed that sprinklers were not needed and that they would be too expensive. After much whining, bullying and purported bribery, he succeeded in having Trump Tower grandfathered until such time he chooses to make major renovations.

You see, Trump hates regulations no matter how well-intended they are. He only cares about himself and his profits. And he simply doesn’t care about others.

It has been reported that residents weren’t notified to evacuate the building. Not sure what to do, some watched the event on television hoping that the result wouldn’t resemble 9/11. Yet, as always, Trump insiders received special treatment. Trump’s attorney, Michael Cohen, reportedly called a friend who lives in the building and warned him to leave. Of course, he made no effort to warn others.

Once the fire was finally extinguished, Trump thanked the firefighters for saving his building and took the opportunity to pat himself on the back by mentioning how well the tower is built. He failed to mention the dead and injured.

This event should be a warning for all US citizens about how our government operates under Trump. His primary focus seems to be using taxpayers’ money to enrich himself and his family. He threatens and bullies those who refuse to kowtow to him. He and his cabinet have repealed and undermined regulations designed to protect ordinary citizens while at the same time rewarding his cronies. And, at every opportunity he turns the conversation to talk about himself in the most self-serving, self-aggrandizing way possible.

It’s difficult to see how this presidency will end well. I fully expect to see our government in virtual and, possibly, literal flames.