International | The Telegram

“Tariffers” v “traders”: the new contest for Donald Trump’s ear

Eye-witnesses to the drama of the first Trump presidency brace for the sequel

Illustration of a person leaning on a table with a red tie and orange-toned hands. In front are small American and Chinese flags on a table.
Illustration: Chloe Cushman

TO DONALD TRUMP, the current world order is a criminally bad deal for America. He is ready to play good cop and bad cop to fix this. Public enemy number one is China’s economic model, which he has called a conspiracy to steal wealth and manufacturing jobs from America. But allies are prime suspects, too, accused of cheating America in trade while doing too little for America’s national security. Allies from Europe to North America and Asia can expect to meet both the smiling and snarling versions of President Trump, all too soon.

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This article appeared in the International section of the print edition under the headline “Donald Trump plays good and bad cop with the world”

From the November 30th 2024 edition

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