President Donald Trump unleashed an executive order targeting social media companies like Twitter Inc. that have drawn his wrath of late — a move that raised immediate doubts about its constitutionality and whether it would actually deliver its intended punch.

Yet, the order Thursday succeeded on another level for Trump. It shifted attention from his struggles responding to the coronavirus pandemic and a cratering U.S. economy. It also delivered a stark warning to the internet giants he has tussled with since taking office, while sending an encouraging message to his political base.

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