If there’s a strategy behind what Donald Trump has been doing over the last week, I’m not sure what it is. I say that in all seriousness. I do not understand what the purpose of attacking Gov. Ron DeSantis is, and I don’t understand why he’s now attacking Gov. Glenn Youngkin.

Trump now attacking Glenn Youngkin .. pic.twitter.com/eEEPcAMplX

— Jonathan Swan (@jonathanvswan) November 11, 2022

That first line is something. Youngkin’s name isn’t “Young Kin,” and wouldn’t that sound more Korean than Chinese anyway? Besides, what exactly does that have to do with anything? I know Trump likes to get his shots in, but this one is a head-scratcher. It’s also pretty racially tinged, a charge I’ve often defended Trump from in the past but can’t do so here.

Here’s my thing. The former president is famous for his counter-punching, usually waiting to take a blow before trying to destroy his opponent. This isn’t counter-punching. DeSantis has said nothing bad about him. Youngkin has said nothing bad about him. So what’s the motivation here? To just make enemies of absolutely everyone prior to the 2024 election?

Trump will need to win Florida in 2024 if he’s the nominee. How does he do that by trashing the most popular Republican in the country who just so happens to be governor of the state? Again, if there’s a strategy here, I’m not sure what it is.

This doesn’t seem sustainable. Republicans love DeSantis. Many of them like Youngkin, especially since he delivered a blue state, striking a big blow to the Democrat power base at the state level. Besides, even if one wants Trump to be the nominee in 2024, it’s just too soon for all this. He’s trying to clear a field that doesn’t exist yet.

The last thing the GOP needs right now is a self-inflicted civil war. Hopefully, someone gets to Trump and tells him to cool off for a little while.