How eroding public support could make Trump even more aggressive

Recent China tariff deal shows president holds fewer cards to push his trade agenda

20250514 Trump Insight

U.S. President Donald Trump appears at a rally in Michigan on April 29 to mark his 100th day in office. Trump's poker face is becoming transparent. © Reuters

HIROYUKI AKITA

TOKYO -- In poker, players who believe they hold a strong hand usually stay quiet and play on, aiming to raise the stakes and extract more money from their opponents.

But U.S. President Donald Trump, who often touts his dealmaking prowess and casts himself as a poker expert, has been acting in ways that defy this logic. His impatience for a quick tariff deal with China is a prime example.

Sponsored Content

About Sponsored ContentThis content was commissioned by Nikkei's Global Business Bureau.