[mikedelfino]

> The simplest explanation is that this administration wants the US to be hated

Why would they want that?

[sigwinch]

That department -- customs and border enforcement -- needs to be ideologically pure for the next phase. They'll need to be able to rapidly judge new hires for culture-fit. Can you do the things that only make sense if your boss wants USA to be hated? Can you deftly talk that group of travelers into all unlocking their phones for imaging?

[nmeofthestate]

Off the top of my head, playing Devil's advocate it could be to encourage illegal immigrants to self-deport. The jailing of Germans with green cards for a fortnight is an unintended side-effect of cranking up the overall hostility level.

[skc]

Perhaps because they know it wouldn't matter.

It's not like there is a ready drop in replacement for things people desire from the US.

[mikedelfino]

I get that they don't care. I was just curious why that would be an intention in itself.

[navane]

To forge the cult -- the more outside hate the more inside cohesion.