The meeting, held before press cameras and microphones, began with President Trump going around the table to ask each attendee their thoughts, particularly those pertaining to his glory, leadership and success. Vice President Mike Pence called working for Mr. Trump “the greatest privilege of my life,” and the hosannas rose higher from there.

At one point, the White House chief of staff, Reince Priebus, utters what sounds almost like a prayer, thanking Mr. Trump for “the opportunity and the blessing” of working for him.