Tweetstorm

Tweets were flying from the Oval Office yesterday. They covered the economy and trade with China. He was his usual self but with an interesting twist.  

Once again, he showed he has less self-control than a two-year old. He was at his nastiest when implying that the head of the Federal Reserve was an enemy of the country. He is smart enough to know that isn’t likely to help him get his way but he doesn’t seem to care.

His bull in a china shop (no pun intended) approach to diplomacy was on display. We need to get tough with China on a number of issues such as theft of intellectual property. Starting a trade war without addressing these issues is counterproductive.

His ignorance of basic economics is surprising. The man has a degree in economics from Wharton. He seems to think that a trade deficit means we somehow lost money. We gave them money and got goods and services in return. Anyone who buys a Big Mac and fries has a trade deficit with McDonalds.

He also insists that China is paying the tariffs. Companies have no choice but to pass the cost along. Many industries that export to China are being hurt. We used to send them billions of dollars of soybeans. Now they buy them elsewhere.

The most bizarre tweet was when he ordered US companies out of China. Apparently, he must think he has dictatorial powers over business. Businesses knew that President Obama hated them and would do everything he could to increase regulation. They may not have liked it, but could deal with it. What really scares them is uncertainty and President Trump is giving them plenty of that. This will cause them to think twice before expanding and hiring new employees.
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His many accomplishments are proof of his intelligence and abundant skills. There is a lot he could do if he had more patience and a willingness to listen to others. Governing through temper tantrums is not good for the country. It also hurts his chances of reelection.