Aides So Worried Trump Couldn’t Show Empathy They Wrote Down Comforting Sayings for Him to Tell School Shooting Survivors

‘I Hear You’

President Donald Trump’s staff was relieved to have a “reprieve” last week when a 19-year old shot 17 people to death at a Parkland, Florida high school, and they’ve been trying to ride the wave of news that took America’s focus away from the Rob Porter story ever since. Wednesday afternoon in the White House the president met with students and parents of those affected by the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting.

But Trump’s staff, clearly concerned how a president who has found it all but impossible to exhibit warmth or empathy, especially in times it is most needed, would perform in front of such a critical audience.

So they wrote crib notes the president could say when he wasn’t sure how to appear empathetic.

The Associated Press posted this photo of the president, with “45” embroidered on his shirt cuff, holding the card drafted by his aides.

Number 5 says, “I hear you.”

Trump’s staff was right to be concerned. 

During his meeting the president suggested arming teachers – but just the “adept” ones.