Tensions within President Donald Trump’s inner circle of trade advisers have reached a boiling point, as sources report growing frustration over his refusal to engage with critical economic briefings and his apparent lack of grasp on fundamental modern economic principles. The discord, emerging just months into Trump’s second term, threatens to undermine his ambitious trade agenda, which has already sparked global market turmoil and drawn sharp criticism from allies and adversaries alike. Insiders claim the president’s erratic approach to policy-making is exacerbating an already volatile situation, with potentially catastrophic consequences for the U.S. economy.
According to high-level aides, Trump frequently dismisses detailed reports, declaring he “won’t read anything” longer than a page, leaving advisers like Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and trade hawk Peter Navarro scrambling to distill complex trade strategies into oversimplified soundbites. One adviser, speaking anonymously, revealed that Trump’s impatience has led to heated clashes, particularly when discussions turn to the mechanics of tariffs—a cornerstone of his economic vision. “He doesn’t know the basic tenets of modern economics,” the aide lamented, citing Trump’s belief that tariffs are paid by foreign countries rather than U.S. consumers, a misconception that has fueled his aggressive trade war.
The fallout is palpable. Trump’s tariffs, including a staggering 145% levy on Chinese goods, have triggered retaliatory measures, with China imposing 125% tariffs on U.S. exports. Global markets are reeling, with the Dow Jones plummeting 1,200 points in a single day and the S&P 500 teetering on the edge of a bear market. Economists warn that these policies could cost the average American household $2,800 annually, with prices for essentials like clothing and shoes rising sharply. Yet, Trump remains defiant, insisting in an ABC News interview that China will “eat” the tariffs, a claim economists dismiss as fantasy.
The internal strife is compounded by conflicting visions among advisers. Navarro pushes for a hardline decoupling from global trade, while Bessent and National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett view tariffs as negotiating tools. Stephen Miran, chair of the Council of Economic Advisers, has floated the grandiose “Mar-a-Lago Accord,” a supposed master plan to reshape global trade, but critics call it a pipe dream, likening it to QAnon-level speculation. Posts on X reflect public unease, with some accusing Trump of manufacturing chaos to distract from domestic failures.
As protests flare in cities like Los Angeles over related immigration crackdowns, the administration’s economic missteps risk igniting broader unrest. With consumer confidence at a 15-month low and fears of a recession mounting, Trump’s refusal to engage with economic realities could prove his undoing. The question now is whether his advisers can bridge the gap—or if the nation will pay the price for a president unchecked by knowledge or restraint.
