The Indicator from Planet Money Dealmaker Don v. Tariff Man Trump
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Apr 23, 2025 Mark Fisher, a Washington Post journalist and co-author of Trump, Revealed, sheds light on Donald Trump's complex relationship with tariffs. They explore whether Trump’s tariffs are mere negotiation tactics or permanent fixtures in his economic strategy. Fisher discusses Trump's childhood influences and his view of life as a series of battles. The conversation dives into Trump’s negotiation style, reflecting on how his grievances shape his policies and the psychological factors driving his decisions.
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Two Sides of Trump
- Trump embodies both the dealmaker and tariff advocate archetypes simultaneously.
- His contradictory thinking blends gut instinct, a desire to win, and aversion to advice.
Trump's Early Dealmaking Roots
- Donald Trump's dealmaking roots trace back to collecting rents with his father and observing political dealmakers in Queens.
- His mentor Roy Cohn taught him to attack relentlessly, deny allegations, and claim victory regardless of outcome.
Tariffs as Identity and Strategy
- Trump's tariffs reflect his 1970s belief that tariffs restore American economic strength against competitors.
- Tariffs serve as a simple, emotionally charged symbol tied to his nostalgic America vision and desire for daily conflict.
