The US President is one of the few people who, by his own actions and failures to act, can create abrupt and unanticipated changes in the economy, the welfare of the population and the regard in which America is held abroad. This was clearly demonstrated during the first "shock and awe" week of the new presidency, which contrasted strongly with the gravitas that was a hallmark of president Barack Obama's first weeks in office and subsequent administration.

More recently, Mr Trump's failure to write an executive order on immigration that would meet the requirements of the judiciary, his inability to fill key cabinet positions, and the use of his rank to attack corporations that didn't support his family's business have weakened his office.

These failings, significant though they would be for any other administration, are as nothing compared to his attempts to nobble institutions he regards as a threat to his power.

This is most obvious with national security. Officers from a range of agencies are investigating Russian attempts to influence the presidential election. While no one in high office has yet openly asserted direct collusion between the Russians and the Trump campaign, the vigour with which the new administration has moved to discredit the investigators suggests it fears what could come out.

Both The New York Times and CNN have reported that high-level Trump advisers communicated with Russians of interest to the US in the year before the poll.

This narrative has been overshadowed by the car wreck that is Mr Trump's attempt to appoint a national security adviser. Michael Flynn, the first captain's pick, lasted barely a fortnight. He had not told the truth to Vice-President Mike Pence about conversations with the Russian ambassador before the election.

Mr Trump's second choice, Robert Harward, knocked the job back on the grounds he would have to work with a deputy chosen by Mr Flynn. It was suggested his real motivation was to avoid an appointment that could disfigure an otherwise exemplary public service career.

The security appointment unravelled almost as quickly as the wheels fell off Mr Trump's bid to appoint controversial fast food chain executive Andrew F. Puzder as his labour secretary.

The new President's difficulties in forming an administration do not augur well for the effective running of the most powerful country on the globe. Mr Trump would do well to consider the effects of his chaotic start on not just on his own team but on America as a whole.