Donald Trump has a definite knack of drifting into controversies. It appears that he enjoys being in limelight even if for all wrong reasons. That's why his words – whether spoken or written – have been source of discord ever since he took office.

The latest controversy is linked with the choice of words to describe a group of nations while meeting lawmakers to seek consensus on immigration reforms. The words he blurted out were undoubtedly unbefitting his office. 

Trump might have learnt from the early days of his career that controversies don't always hurt. Rather, they help to steal limelight if used with care. So, he veers across the normal path and often hits a bump, so that those around him wonder what's with this "blundering dude" who cannot control his tongue.

Some may even laugh at him; however, that too can serve the purpose of getting attention. There is a saying that even notoriety brings fame. Trump obviously knows it and used it as a tool in the 2016 election campaign. He was able to enlist support of many people by castigating other individuals and groups. 

The problem with Trump is that he has not yet come out of the campaign mode. It is true that promises made during the elections should be honored. However, you have to re-order priorities as there is difference between running for office and running that same office after victory. 

Look at the latest remarks and the fallout for the United States, the so-called world superpower. The status and power of a country demands certain standardized attitudes towards others. 

A person occupying a powerful office cannot go around and call people names, often extremely offensive terms, just because he doesn't like the way they look or the way they behave. 

Trump has done disservice to the American people and the world by denigrating Africans and other ethnic groups. He has further divided his own society. His efforts to reform the immigration laws have also suffered a setback. The remarks would further increase the problems of vulnerable people and encourage the hate groups that tend to target them. 

The reaction from the African Union shows the anger and sense of insult felt by the people, who want to know why they are being treated like this. It is troubling as, today, one set of people are being targeted and, tomorrow, another group of nations could be in the line of fire. 

That is why the United Nations stepped in the controversy and accused Trump of being a racist.  

He should understand that by ridiculing others, he is only exposing his own soft underbelly. He should see what others think about him. Already, on social media people have expressed their frustrations. More would follow and ultimately the country Trump is trying to make strong will be weakened and isolated. 

Trump needs to change his style of politics, otherwise he could seriously damage his chances of re-election for a second term. Currently, his support base seems to be intact despite his penchant for controversies. However, it may not remain so forever. Empty bravado would ultimately alienate some of the supporters. 

And it is not just about the domestic politics. Blunders of this nature add to the burden of oversees allies, who find it increasingly hard to convince their people to continue supporting the American government in time of crisis. Gone are the days when the U.S. could do everything alone. Its power is much diluted and several nations are out there to contest American claim to greatness.   

Some people are trying to portray the latest outburst as new normal. They say that use of s*** and f***words is so common in the daily communications of American people that sometimes they are used carelessly without any intention to give offense. It is true that words lose poignancy in the process of usage. But their meanings wary from people to people. Hence, care should be exercised. 

So instead of justifying the brash remarks, the gentler way is to accept the mistake and say sorry. It does not cost anything.  If Trump believes that he did not intend to hurt others, he should type a few words on Twitter. He should also promise to behave in the future.   

Sajjad Malik is a columnist with China.org.cn. For more information please visit:

http://www.china.org.cn/opinion/SajjadMalik.htm

Opinion articles reflect the views of their authors, not necessarily those of China.org.cn.

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