Politics Weekly America
Why did ‘strongman’ Trump back down on tariffs?
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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Quick takeaways
- Trump's sudden pause on tariffs highlights his vulnerability to economic pressures, undermining his previously strong leadership image.
- The tariff conflict has exposed deep ideological rifts among Trump's supporters, raising concerns about the cohesion of his political base.
Deep dives
Trump's Tariff Strategy and Market Impacts
Donald Trump announced a 90-day pause on tariffs for most countries, except China, following immense pressure from supporters concerned about the economic fallout. His previous stance, which included a bold confidence expressed on social media, shifted dramatically as the bond market signaled a possible recession. This illustrated a potential inconsistency in his leadership style, as Trump oscillated between projecting strength and eventually conceding to economic pressures. Despite market relief from the pause, there are concerns that his unpredictability may undermine future negotiations and erode trust in his commitments.
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