ChinaTalk Rahm Returns to Chat Trump and China: “He is the worst negotiator.”
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Dec 18, 2025 
Rahm Emanuel, former White House Chief of Staff and U.S. Ambassador to Japan, gives a candid view on U.S.-China relations. He critiques Trump's negotiation style, labeling him the 'worst negotiator.' Emanuel discusses the 'Fear Factor' driving Japan and South Korea to enhance defense spending. He argues that tariffs are ineffective and advocates for workforce training to compete with China. He also highlights the risks of rising inequality due to AI and stresses the importance of addressing social media impacts on children.
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Unpredictability Fuels Asian Fear Factor
- Rahm Emanuel argues Trump's unpredictability has strengthened China's narrative that the U.S. is receding in Asia.
- That perception drove allies to buy defense 'insurance' rather than trust U.S. guarantees.
Slow Responses Erode Deterrence
- Emanuel argues the administration's delays and inconsistencies weakened deterrence and U.S. credibility in Asia.
- He highlights a slow response to Chinese coercion of Japan as emblematic of broader strategic erosion.
Japan's Buildup Predates Trump
- Japan increased defense spending before Trump, driven by long-term trends not just his presidency.
- Emanuel says much of the regional rearmament is insurance against perceived U.S. absence, not Trump policy wins.