Two words could have changed this whole situation.
Instead of calling her a liar and whack job, all he needed to do was say “I believe she is a lying whackjob.”
Trump has yet to learn and practice routinely with self-discipline:
Talk smart.
Write smart.
Trump plays to an audience, because his businesses are promotions and showmanship.
Trump throws a verbal punch and tunes in to how his audience reacts. He attracts people who like to watch a fight.
Yet in private, Trump does think about worthy deeds. He is always in the ring, sparring with himself.
Trump throws errant verbal punches, because he greatly feels alone. He is trying to protect himself.
That feeling is constantly interfering with his wish to do well. Sometimes, he is able to do well - and specifically help people - he loves that.
Losing his mother-in-law, took a toll, because she knew all this and respected him.
Trump’s problem with choosing people, is rooted in his attempts to find loyalty that will reduce his sense of being alone.
But Trump is often sent candidates, or they present themselves, who (in corridors of power) are able to appear as loyal.
That leads to trouble for him in politics and with “the legal profession,” when Trump finds his choice has a mind to actually oppose him (GOPe RINO’s), or Trump un-necessarily inflicts a wound against himself, because again, he has yet to learn and practice routinely with self-discipline:
Talk smart.
Write smart.
Similar to the struggle of General Patton.
IMHO