Originally Posted by peanut

I thought it was an obvious tactic for Trump. If he did nothing after giving warnings he'll look weak. If he acted out his threats then it would escalate and won't be good for anyone. So by saying what he did it covers all bases and he comes out of it still intact whilst still forcing another threat in the process. I don't think he had any intention of firing, but a means of getting out of a tricky situation.