There was certainly a lot of buildup. Before President Trump formally announced on Thursday that the United States would pull out of the Paris climate agreement, he teased the public about the timing of the decision, almost as though he were savoring it.

First came the reports that members of Mr. Trump’s administration were deadlocked on the issue, followed by stories noting that the decision was being repeatedly delayed. On Wednesday, multiple news organizations including The New York Times reported that Trump was likely to exit the agreement. Then, finally, Mr. Trump chimed in on Twitter to heighten the suspense.

“I will be announcing my decision on Paris Accord, Thursday at 3:00 P.M.,” he tweeted. “MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!”

Never mind that what was at stake was a breakthrough agreement, 20 years in the making, that had been painstakingly negotiated by virtually every nation in the world in an effort to save the planet from catastrophic climate change. This matter would be handled in the manner we have come to expect — with the sort of gauche fanfare normally reserved for reality TV.