The Trump administration isn’t retreating into its shell after the publisher of the beloved children’s book series “ Franklin the Turtle ” knocked officials’ “unauthorized” use of the cartoon reptile.

What was not called for—in the moment, in the psychology handbook, or in the traditions of the American presidency—was Donald Trump’s response.

The New York Times’ careful, clinical story about President Donald Trump showing “signs of fatigue” and facing “realities of aging in office” came out two weeks ago. But the story still seems to be on the president’s mind.