Donald Trump’s actions often defy historical analogies. Recurring themes that have no precedent in US history include his transparent goal of imposing his unilateral will on our country, crushing and humiliating his perceived enemies, and defying the rule of law to prosecute a long stream of his opponents. His attempts to secure groundless indictments of mortgage fraud, treason, or lying against former officials like James Comey, John Bolton, or Letitia James are shameful and immoral acts that should be considered impeachable offenses against the duties of a president sworn to uphold the constitution. And the effort to bring court martial charges within the system of military justice against Sen. Mark Kelly is the action of a pure tyrant.

But in addition to Trump’s reckless use of the power of the state for his own personal grudges and enmities is another aspect that appears wherever he shows his hand — the underlying and unhinged cruelty that the man displays at every stage. This was nowhere more evident than in his psychopathic comments about the tragic and senseless murder of Rob and Michele Reiner. Even his supporters now seem to agree that these gloating, demeaning comments were inexcusable. Trump plainly has no capacity at all for compassion and pity for the suffering of others.

Is there a historical analogy that fits Trump’s behavior and mental world? Hitler comes to mind — armed paramilitary supporters, a racist mind and language, and contempt for law and constitution. But perhaps there is an even more suitable example if we go back to Caligula, the singularly cruel, despotic, murderous, and ultimately insane emperor of the Roman Empire (37-41 CE). Caligula who railed and conspired against the Roman senate, Caligula who delighted in humiliating and destroying his enemies, Caligula who madly declared war on the sea, … perhaps this is the historical precedent who best fits our president.