Cruel, Inhuman & Degrading

What does it say about the government of the United States that Congress actually has to pass legislation--apparently over the objection of the White House--dictating that human beings be treated, well, like human beings?

Just as the previous president had a history of not being able to keep his hands (and apparently other things) to himself long before he reached the White House, the current president has a history of acting as if the rules apply only to others and not to him, so why are people surprised by some of his behavior?