Democracy Dies in Darkness

‘Like a dog’: Trump has a long history of using canine insults to dehumanize enemies

The Debrief: An occasional series offering a reporter’s insights

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August 14, 2018 at 2:20 p.m. EDT
President Trump's relationship with Omarosa Manigault Newman goes back to "The Apprentice," but has turned sour with her tell-all book and White House tapes. (Video: Jenny Starrs/The Washington Post)

In President Trump’s singular lexicon, there is no more vicious put-down than likening an adversary to a dog.

“Choked like a dog.”

“Fired like a dog.”

“Sweat like a dog.”

Then there is what Trump said Tuesday of Omarosa Manigault Newman, his former reality television protege and White House staffer who is now scorned and telling all in her new book, “Unhinged,” and accompanying media tour.