'Aghast' is more likely that 'they' (probably no-one in reality) were yawning at yet another tirade of nonsense. I know what you're thinking, there's been articles like this for years that makes you wonder how anyone could still think something like this. This is essentially tabloid, clickbait crap. That's why. When the mainstream papers really start calling out the lunacy (repeatedly) you'll know it's nearly over for him. Sadly some time away yet.

It's just headline gore. Typical "View From Nowhere" style writing that tries to displace the perspective of the journalist onto a third party.

It's popular among news venues that are terrified of appearing biased.

next, they'll be telling us "wait, guys... his skin, it looks orange!" like it's news