Anyone who pays attention to what Trump says on a regular basis is already aware of this doozy:
We are right where we want to be with China. Remember, they broke the deal with us & tried to renegotiate. We will be taking in Tens of Billions of Dollars in Tariffs from China. Buyers of product can make it themselves in the USA (ideal), or buy it from non-Tariffed countries…
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 12, 2019
Trump has doubled down on the claim that China pays tariffs to the U.S. as if we are getting revenue from the Chinese government. In fact, American importers pay the higher prices imposed by Trump’s administration. Ultimately, American businesses frequently raise prices which hurts consumers, especially those in the lowest income brackets.
Larry Kudlow grudgingly admitted that China isn’t paying the tariffs.
Larry Kudlow admits that the Chinese do not directly pay tariffs on goods coming into the U.S., as Trump has repeatedly, and incorrectly, claimed.
Via Fox pic.twitter.com/sbXvfBbktf— Kyle Griffin (@kylegriffin1) May 12, 2019
Here is one of Trump’s Ohio 2016 voters coming to his senses and realizing Trump has made a mess of things.
“We’re in a free-fall out here.”
This Ohio farmer voted for President Trump. He now says the President’s comments about farmers being “patriots” during a trade war are “just a design to make me continue to be quiet. And I’m not going to be quiet.” https://t.co/7nA4p5pjEf pic.twitter.com/naTUHpSEF1
— CNN Newsroom (@CNNnewsroom) May 15, 2019
Of course, China is not paying duties on imported goods imposed by the U.S. administration. American businesses are. Is Trump lying or is he really that clueless?
I don’t know. There are good reasons to believe either possibility. He lies easily but he also is so narcissistic that he thinks he is right when he is clearly wrong. Either way, this issue illustrates that Trump is simply incompetent. I look forward to the defense strategies of his sheep.