Re: Trump wants in TPP now...watch Trumpers do mental gymnastics now that their Messiah supports it.
Posted by:
the rant leverager
()
Date: April 13, 2018 12:07AM
Trump is big on suggesting actions he might take, in the hopes of applying pressure to some parties, while hoping other parties view him as more moderate. The problem is, he doesn't stick with what he is suggesting on a day-to-day basis. One morning over Twitter he's promising missiles into Syria; the same afternoon "all options are on the table".
Trump is suggesting joining the TPP as a way of applying leverage on China; he wants them to give on something based on that threat. But World Leaders, especially representing countries as patient as China, aren't going to be moved by anything Trump says on a daily basis. Tomorrow, the join TPP idea might be dead.
China is a trade cheat, and Trump isn't necessary wrong calling them on it. Problem is they are crazy prepared for any official action the US government might take, and Trump's unpredictability won't be of much help here.