Donald Trump had a strange press conference today, a practically giddy one, following the tragic realization that he has clinched the nomination. At one point, Trump was asked about the Keystone Pipeline for some reason and his answer was, in keeping with the theme … odd.

Donald Trump says he would 'absolutely' approve Keystone XL pipeline https://t.co/l33qlOpVeF

— Global Calgary (@GlobalCalgary) May 26, 2016

I want the Keystone pipeline, but the people of the United States should be given a significant piece of the profits.

In case it’s not perfectly clear, the Keystone Pipeline project is a business venture owned by a corporation, not a government project. The government is involved in the process of authorizing it, to make a long story short.

What Trump is suggesting is that he’s fine with the corporation building this pipeline if they’re willing to pay some of the money to the American government. You know, like a bribe. Or protection money. Or, well …

Yes, a tax. That’s what that’s usually known as. This reminds me of another market interference/government intervention in prices that was proposed by a prominent Trump supporter.

“That’s how we’re going to make our country rich again, and it’s how we’re going to make America great again.”

By confiscation of profit from private industry? Really?

Just one more example of how Trump sees the Presidency. He sees it as the seat of his own monarchy. And now he’s the Republican nominee you guys so YAY!!