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Trump Needs Reminder To Listen To Parkland Survivors In ‘Listening Session’

At a “listening session” with victims of gun violence on Wednesday, President Donald Trump needed a reminder to listen.

We know this because Trump ― or one of his advisers ― helpfully wrote it down on a cheat sheet he carried into the meeting.

President Donald Trump holds his notes while hosting a listening session with student survivors of mass shootings. (Photo: Chip Somodevilla via Getty Images)
President Donald Trump holds his notes while hosting a listening session with student survivors of mass shootings. (Photo: Chip Somodevilla via Getty Images)

Cameras captured the list of five pointers while Trump held it in his hands during the session. Point No. 5 on the list reads, simply, “I hear you.”

In the president’s defense, it’s not unusual to bring notes to a meeting. But to need a reminder to let gun violence survivors know you’re listening to them, while at a “listening session” organized for that explicit purpose is ... well, very on-brand for Trump.

Another view of Trump's prepared questions photographed by Reuters. (Photo: Jonathan Ernst / Reuters)
Another view of Trump's prepared questions photographed by Reuters. (Photo: Jonathan Ernst / Reuters)

The guest list for Wednesday’s session included students and families affected by last week’s shooting at a high school in Parkland, Florida, that killed 17 people. It was an emotional affair, as survivors of gun violence recalled lost siblings, frequently struggling to hold back tears.

Donald Trump reaching for his notes during a listening session with student survivors of mass shootings. (Photo: Chip Somodevilla via Getty Images)
Donald Trump reaching for his notes during a listening session with student survivors of mass shootings. (Photo: Chip Somodevilla via Getty Images)

Hopefully President Trump’s reminder to show empathy proved fruitful, and he was able to bring them at least a small amount of comfort.

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This article originally appeared on HuffPost.