Let's take a look at Trump's latest playlist

Nobody could have any issue with “Jolene” being on the list, especially considering Dolly Parton’s recent death, even if Trump’s quote to the reporters later in the flight, “Dolly was the greatest, wasn’t she?,” does bring up how literally everything in the beloved singer’s life contradicts the hateful and stingy values and priorities Trump displays every day. (“Jolene” is an obvious pick, sure, but we’ll let that go.)

It’s deeper into the playlist that things get stranger. That former WWE wrestler The Undertaker’s gong-heavy, mournful entrance music is in there suggests both Trump’s inflated self-regard as a badass and a certain less-then-rosy worldview. And that that’s followed by Pavarotti’s rendition of a Turandot aria translated as “Let No One Sleep” at least sums up everyone’s nightly demeanor while waiting for the next flood of Trump-related news. 

ABBA’s “Fernando” is a bit of a puzzler, honestly. Assuming it’s the English-language version, which switches the Swedish lyrics’ love lament into a tale of Mexican Revolution soldiers reminiscing about old military glories, Trump’s noted bigotry toward our southern neighbors hints that he just likes the tune. “Baba O’Reilly” brings up more questions, as The Who have publicly called out Trump for being terrible—again, it’s likely a question of vibe more than anything else. 

As the reporters noted, the visiting Trump assured the captive audience, “I want to make you all happy so I’m playing wonderful music. Happy music.” Considering how often Trump outright insults the press (especially women and non-white reporters) asking questions he doesn’t like, Trump’s statement, like his musical taste, invites alternative interpretations.