A deliciously wicked thought just occurred to me. Convicted felon, the

[ecstatic]

5. from my understanding, it wasn't about appeasing his supporters

He didn't expect to win but he was trying to keep his brand alive. During the campaign he formed new business relationships and opportunities to grift. Of course, fucking idiots elected him (or helped elect him).

For me, it all goes back to the White House correspondents' dinner. Had he just laughed along with the fucking jokes, his criminal enterprise would still be intact and his stupid ass show might still be on the air.