One of U.S. President Donald Trump’s most pernicious inclinations is the denigration of U.S. allies, often claiming they are worthless to the U.S. This bad habit is only underscored by how often it contrasts with his admiration of dictators: Xi Jinping is “smart,” Trump “respects” Vladimir Putin, Trump and Kim Jong-un and him “have a great relationship.” Trump’s insults toward allies are also gratuitous. We experienced this with the recent decision to weaken U.S.-Korea Ulchi Freedom Shield exercises. Not content to do so at the last minute via social media — showing disrespect to Korea — Trump accompanied the announcement with verbal swipes toward South Korea in general (for supposedly taking advantage of the U.S. financially) and President Lee Jae Myung in particular (allegedly for not assisting in the failing, foolish Iran war). Trump presumably was aiming for the military exercise curtailment to facilitate outreach to Kim, a potentially defensible course, if followed by serious diplomacy. But there was no reason for Trump to throw shade at Korea and Lee in the p