From Robert A. Levine at The Moderate Voice:
American government has entered into a new era. Instead of using experts and scientific data to determine the nation’s policies, President Trump’s instincts and gut feelings are the major factors in the choices that he makes in governing. In addition, Trump’s ego plays a large role, as he never wants to look bad or be seen to have made significant mistakes.
President Trump does not like to read and is particularly opposed to lengthy reports. He is willing, however, to read tweets and to respond to those he does not like and retweet those he does. His intellectual curiosity meter barely registers just above zero with much of his information coming from television programs he agrees with and that praise him unceasingly. He is wont to reject the recommendations of his close advisors as much as listen to what they tell him, usually following their suggestions when they tell him what he wants to hear.
Trump also does not like to listen to experts or academics who have studied the issues with which he has to deal. He tends to ignore scientific articles and scientists, using his ‘common sense’ in determining how to manage problems.