Even Obama Trade Rep Acknowledges: Trump Is Cleaning Up An OLD Global Trade Mess

Stand and Deliver

by Seton Motley, Contributing Author: There was an interesting development last night.

Former Obama Administration Official: Trump is Addressing ‘Longstanding’ Trade Issues:

“Many of the trade issues on which U.S. President Donald Trump is now focusing have been concerns for numerous White House administrations, according to Michael Froman, who served as U.S. Trade Representative under former President Barack Obama….

“‘Different administrations have had different approaches – I was part of another administration that had a somewhat different approach – but certainly some of the underlying concerns about subsidies, about [intellectual property] theft, about forced technology transfer, those are longstanding issues that a number of administrations have been concerned about,’ he said.

“On Trump’s tactics, Froman was diplomatic: ‘He certainly has a very distinct approach to trade, and it’s something that he’s had a longstanding view on, long before he ran for president,’ he said. ‘I think the rest of the world is paying attention to that.’”

Indeed – the rest of the world is paying attention. Trump’s domestic critics? Not so much.

Get this: “Froman was diplomatic.” As in – “Froman didn’t berate Trump for his titanically stupid approach to trade.”

But…Froman acknowledges Trump is addressing global trade problems – which Froman acknowledges many previous administrations – including his – attempted to address.

These many previous administrations – FAILED. Which is why Trump is now having to deal with these problems.

Froman acknowledges Trump’s approach – is unlike that of any of his predecessors. And for this new approach – Trump is by his domestic critics roundly, routinely criticized.

But again…the many previous administrations – FAILED. So why on Earth would Trump do what they did?

Again – Trump’s domestic critics aren’t paying very close attention.

There was another interesting development last night.

President Donald Trump announced another $200 billion in tariffs on Chinese stuff. To which China responded with $60 billion in tariffs on our stuff.

These exact same mindless “free trade” people – engaged in yet another round of wailing and rending of their very expensive, finely tailored garments.

Screeching the exact same incorrect assertions – they have previously incorrectly screeched about trade wars (that never ultimately happened) with the likes of Mexico and the European Union (EU). To wit:

Why Donald Trump’s Trade War Will Fail

Trump’s Trade War on China Doomed to Fail

President Trump’s Tariffs Will Hurt America More Than China

How a Tariff on Chinese Imports Would Ripple Through American Life

Trump Is Setting Up High Stakes Trade Fights that Could End in Economic Disaster

Donald Trump’s Trade War Could Kill Millions of U.S. Jobs

Get that “Could” in the last two headlines? We’ve said it before: If a headline contains words like “Could” or “Might” – you aren’t reporting news…you’re fortune telling. You’re doing your Miss Chloe impersonation.

And these crystal ballers – ain’t got nothing on Miss Chloe.

Now That U.S. Economy Is Booming, Dems Say It’s Not a Key Policy Priority

WaPo Strains to Come Up with a Reason for Us to Hate the Booming Jobs Economy

The Trump Economy has been booming – throughout the alleged precipitous dooms we’ve allegedly faced with previous alleged trade wars due to Trump’s alleged idiocy.

US on Brink of Trade War with EU, Canada and Mexico as Tit-for-Tat Tariffs Begin

Trump first set his sites on Mexico.

Mexico Knows How to Fight Trump’s Trade War

Except…Trump seems to know his trade war – better than Mexico.

Mexico Made ‘Significant Concessions’ in New Trade Deal with U.S.

Trump secured that – then turned his attention to the European Union.

Trump Calls Europe ‘As Bad as China’ on Trade

Europe to Trump: If You Want a Trade War, You’ll Get One

Except…Europe didn’t appear to actually want one. And Trump delivered with Europe – exactly what he’s only said he’s wanted with Mexico, China…and every other nation on Earth.

Trump and EU Officials Agree to Work Toward ‘Zero Tariff’ Deal:

“Donald Trump and European Union officials on Wednesday stepped back from a trade war as they struck a deal to work towards ‘zero’ tariffs, barriers and subsidies.”

“Zero tariffs, barriers and subsidies.” Now THAT is actual free trade.

A spectacular development that doesn’t remotely resemble the current global patchwork quilt of massive tariffs and tiny limits on US imports – and massive global subsidies with which US exporters have to compete.

Oh: And “zero tariffs, barriers and subsidies” – is, like Trump, exactly for what we have been calling for years.

It’s Time for ‘Zero for Zero’ (July 31, 2013):

“Where we approach the planet and say “You get rid of your trade barriers, and we’ll get rid of ours.” In other words, we have zero protectionism – and so does everyone else….

“There’s beauty in its simplicity. Obviously it will take a bit of international cooperation to get it off the ground, but as the late, great Ronald Reagan said, ‘There are no easy answers – but there are simple answers.’”

And then came Trump.

No One Likes Tariffs – Which Is Why Trump Imposes Them

Let’s call country after country agreeing to new, much-better-for-America deals as a result of Trump’s tariffs – “international cooperation.”

And fret not – China too will “cooperate.” Because they need us – WAY more than we need them.

Trade War with US Could Be the Tipping Point for China’s $14 Trillion Debt-Ridden Economy

Yes, there is a “Could” in that headline. But that “Could” – is backed by many, many facts:

“Nearly 20 percent of China’s exports go to the U.S.

“If a trade war ensues with the U.S., China’s GDP growth would drop 0.5 percent and could continue to fall as things heat up, the IMF warns.

“China’s debt-to-GDP has ballooned to more than 300 percent from 160 percent a decade ago.

“Chinese officials now warn of a financial-sector debt bubble that’s waiting to burst.”

Sounds like that “Could” – could very much be a “Would.”

Sounds like China’s “cooperation” – will soon be on the way.

Which means even more movement towards global Zero-for-Zero in all things trade – is also on the way.

All of which – is a very good thing.

The only people surprised by this – are the wailing DC Experts in their self-rend-ed fancy suits.
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Seton Motley is the President of Less Government and he contributes to ARRA News Service. Please feel free to follow him him on Twitter   /   Facebook.

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