Surrounded by Shrinking Circle of Aides, a Brooding Trump Lashes Out

U.S. President 👤Donald Trump has increasingly isolated himself in the 🏛️White House, relying on a small group of diehard loyalists and lashing out at those who dare to cross him, including Vice President Mike Pence, said four sources familiar with the matter.

Some longtime advisers are steering clear of talking to Trump after he fired up hundreds of supporters who swarmed the U.S. Capitol in what even fellow Republicans called an insurrection and a deep stain on Trump’s legacy.

The unprecedented breach of the Capitol building forced Pence and members of Congress to be evacuated just as they had convened to certify the 2020 election victory of President-elect Joe Biden over Trump. Four people died in the mayhem, including a woman shot by police.

“Don’t want to,” said one adviser, speaking on the condition of anonymity, when asked if there had been any recent contact with the president.

Trump was extremely agitated on Wednesday, moving from the Oval Office to the nearby private dining room, initially energized, but increasingly angry and closed off, said one source.

Trump was not allowing staff to help craft any messages earlier in the day. “It’s not a controlled situation,” said the source, speaking on condition of anonymity.

Trump has surrounded himself with an ever-smaller group of loyalists who cater to his whims, including digital director Dan Scavino, personal aide John McEntee, trade adviser Peter Navarro, speechwriter Stephen Miller, and personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani, one source said.

“It’s sad. These are the people around him and egging him on,” the source said, who also asked not to be identified.