Trump is an advocate of the political doctrine of Problem, Reaction, Solution and oppression by common consent.

When you want something controversial done that might harm your reputation you do the following

PRODUCE a problem (real or fictitious it does not matter)
PROVOKE a (knee Jerk) reaction (out of anger or preferably Fear)
PROVIDE a solution (which of course was your actual original intent all along)

It is a variation on oneupmanship, having your potential opponent do your dirty work for you and let them think it was their idea and you are just doing your job.

Ignorance, fear and panic are the tools of the despot, the tyrant does not oppress unless he is asked to do do it, the trick is to make oppression seem like the preferable option. To convince the people the golden cage is there to keep THEM out, not to keep YOU in.