Fire and Fury author Michael Wolff explains how Trump's cease and desist letter is childlike

The author of a new tell-all book about the Trump White House claims aides call Trump childlike.
(Image credit: Twitter/@TodayShow)

Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House author Michael Wolff said of the 200 interviews he conducted for his new tell-all book, "the one description that everyone gave, that everyone has in common, they all say [President Trump] is like a child."

It is hardly the only explosive comment Wolff has made, nor is it the only one likely to get under Trump's skin. Trump's lawyers have gone as far as to send Wolff's publisher, Henry Holt and Co., a cease and desist letter. Henry Holt responded by bumping the book's publication date to Friday.

Speaking on Today, Wolff explained that people in Trump's orbit observe the president's need for "immediate gratification. It's all about him." Wolff pointed to the cease and desist letter as an example, noting that he has sources in the White House saying "'we should not be doing this, this is not smart.' And he just insists. He just has to be satisfied in the moment."

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Wolff offered another descriptor of the president that also might sound familiar to parents of young children. "This man does not read. Does not listen," said Wolff. "He's like a pinball, just shooting off the sides." Watch below. Jeva Lange

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Jeva Lange

Jeva Lange was the executive editor at TheWeek.com. She formerly served as The Week's deputy editor and culture critic. She is also a contributor to Screen Slate, and her writing has appeared in The New York Daily News, The Awl, Vice, and Gothamist, among other publications. Jeva lives in New York City. Follow her on Twitter.