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Donald Trump threw a tantrum following the publication of an op-ed in the New York Times written anonymously by a senior White House official, only proving the point the author was trying to make.

A short time after the op-ed dropped, he also took to Twitter to deliver a one-word response.

TREASON? — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 5, 2018

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But his one-word Twitter reaction to the editorial shouldn’t be brushed under the rug as just another Trumpism. As NBC News’ Hallie Jackson pointed out on Wednesday, treason is a crime punishable by death.

In other words, the president of the United States just accused a senior member of his own administration of a crime that is punishable by execution.

Video:

.@HallieJackson says the president’s mood is “volcanic” following the publication of an anonymous op-ed in the New York Times. #ctl #p2 pic.twitter.com/tcm7qcomgh — PoliticusUSA (@politicususa) September 6, 2018

One person close to the White House describes the president’s mood as ‘volcanic’. I think you saw some of that reflected in what the president had to say to our own Peter Alexander earlier when Peter asked the president about this op-ed. The president calling it gutless. He tweeted out just that single word earlier during your broadcast: “Treason” with a question mark. And a reminder, as you know, treason of course is a crime punishable by death.

Trump’s more recent tweet seemed to further elaborate on his thoughts about the man or woman who penned the editorial.

He doesn’t just view the op-ed as a simple act of dissent that makes him look bad. Instead, he views it as detrimental to America’s national security. In other words, treason.

Does the so-called “Senior Administration Official” really exist, or is it just the Failing New York Times with another phony source? If the GUTLESS anonymous person does indeed exist, the Times must, for National Security purposes, turn him/her over to government at once! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 5, 2018

Trump is dangerously out of control

As Trump lashes out, whether it’s about former national security leaders, recently published books or an administration official’s New York Times editorial, he’s only proving the point his critics have repeatedly made.

In the process, he is demonstrating how ignorant and dangerous his view of government and patriotism is. He doesn’t believe in Americans pledging allegiance to the flag and putting country first; he believes in Americans pledging allegiance to him.

The moment anybody refuses to give him that blind support and loyalty, he accuses them – as he did today – of committing a crime or being treasonous. He even demands that this person is turned over to the government “at once!”

This kind of rhetoric shouldn’t get brushed aside after the latest news cycle fades. It’s dangerous, because – as he becomes more desperate and unstable – it’s only a matter of time before he follows through on it.

Follow Sean Colarossi on Facebook.