Trump’s persecution complex is an essential part of his brand — one which resonates deeply with a political base that believes anti-Trump liberals run the federal government and the media. But as he seeks re-election in 2020, he is banking heavily on his ability to blend it into a coherent narrative with the version of his presidency in which he’s been a commanding force, steamrolling adversaries to get things done…

These two halves of Trump — victim and conqueror — fit together snugly for his campaign…

Democrats say that the premise of Trump being uniquely under siege — despite long investigations into his campaign’s ties to Russia and possible obstruction of justice — is faulty.

“It’s an absurd argument,” Joe Lockhart, who served as press secretary for President Bill Clinton, said in a direct message exchange. “Trump has had no congressional oversight for the majority of his term. His administration has repeatedly violated the law and had courts stop him. And let’s not forget Clinton had dozens of investigations and was impeached.”