It reminds me of something I read about Joe McCarthy. Once, after savagely attacking a witness in a televised session of the House Un-American Activities Committee, he ran into the person in the elevator. The man, whose career had just been destroyed, was on the verge of tears, but McCarthy was oblivious. He just prattled on, making  pleasant small talk about the kids, the weather, etc.

The witness said later that it occurred to him at that moment that McCarthy really had no convictions whatsoever. It was all show business to him. His anti-communist persona was just a political tool to advance his career.

It looks like the same is true of Trump. But the difference is that Trump can't just disassociate himself from all the extreme promises he made during the campaign. He has a very angry, vengeful constituency to feed, and if he doesn't they'll turn on him. So far he's dazzled them with smoke and mirrors, but he won't be able to keep that up forever.