> He doesn’t mean everything he says or does in a direct way, much of it is for effect. When he drops massive tariffs on everyone at once, it’s intended to forc

> He doesn’t mean everything he says or does in a direct way, much of it is for effect. When he drops massive tariffs on everyone at once, it’s intended to force people to the table to negotiate with an uncomfortable starting position for them. We understand that. That's why it sounds stupid. It's breaking trust and relationships in favour of showmanship. "Forcing" your allies to negotiate from "uncomfortable starting positions" is a terrible strategy longterm and will encourage them all to make plans to decentre you as much as possible.