Apr 1, 2017 - Politics & Policy

Trump on trade: words vs actions

Andrew Harnik / AP

The New York Times highlights how Trump isn't living up to his rhetoric on trade.

  • Executive orders: the Times said they're "unlikely to effect a major change" in manufacturing or trade
  • TPP: a Trump adviser told the Times yesterday it will serve as a "starting point" for new deals
  • NAFTA: changes to the deal will be modest
  • China: no specific plans announced and no steps taken to label China a currency manipulator

Why it matters: The mixed record on trade is a sign of the battle within the administration between America-first nationalists like Steve Bannon and advisers pushing more measured steps such as economic council director Gary Cohn and Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross

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