Politics Weekly America

Why did ‘strongman’ Trump back down on tariffs?

20 snips
Apr 11, 2025
James Bennet, former editor-in-chief of The Atlantic, delves into Donald Trump’s sudden shift on tariffs. He discusses the potential reasons behind Trump's 90-day pause, highlighting how market pressures and global relations are at stake. The conversation reveals the internal conflicts within Trump's base, where support for his tariffs is waning. Bennet also explores the broader implications for US-China relations, emphasizing how these economic moves could shape perceptions of American reliability on the international stage.
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INSIGHT

Trump's Unpredictability

  • Trump's tariff pause shows his mercurial nature, creating uncertainty.
  • This unpredictability may weaken future market reactions to his threats.
ANECDOTE

Trump's Boasting

  • Trump boasted about world leaders' desperation to negotiate tariffs.
  • He mocked them, saying they were "kissing my ass" to make a deal.
INSIGHT

Diminishing Returns of Bluffing

  • Trump's bluffing tactic may backfire as its effectiveness diminishes.
  • Markets might not react as strongly to future threats, reducing his leverage.
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