Instead of viewing tariffs as part of a broader trade policy, President Trump sees them as a valuable weapon he can wield on the world stage.According to The New York Times, President Trump views tariffs as a valuable weapon he can use on the world stage, rather than just a part of a broader trade policy. His allies often describe him as a long-time supporter of tariffs, but it wasn’t until he became a presidential candidate in 2015 that he began talking about them in earnest. He frequently described his grievances about trade in terms of other countries or companies “ripping off” the United States, and only recently has he made tariffs the centerpiece of his approach to trade. However, his latest retreat from self-imposed tariff deadlines shows the challenge he faces in treating tariffs as a quick-fix solution. Throughout the years, Trump has been vague about his stance on tariffs, but has consistently expressed a feeling of national injury and a desire to protect American industries. This focus on trade, even without a cohesive policy plan, helped him win the 2016 election.
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