Published on: Fri, 15 May 2026 22:50:21 GMT
Original Story: Trump’s ‘elaborate’ praise of Xi at China summit made U.S. look weak, ex-ambassador says – PBS

Trump <3 Xi: A Love Story (Again?)

So, apparently, according to former US Ambassador to China, Max Baucus (yes, *that* Max Baucus), Trump’s “elaborate” praise of Xi Jinping at some summit made the US look… wait for it… *weak*. I know, shocking, right? The guy who spent four years trying to strong-arm everyone into trade deals, simultaneously gushing over authoritarian leaders? Who could have predicted that?

The Art of the (Trade) Deal… Or Something

Look, let’s be honest. Trump’s relationship with Xi has always been… complicated. One minute they’re best buds, sharing chocolate cake at Mar-a-Lago (remember 2017? The good ol’ days of supposed harmony?), the next they’re slapping tariffs on everything from steel to soybeans. It’s like watching a particularly volatile rom-com where the leads can’t decide if they want to kiss or punch each other. Mostly punch, if we’re keeping it real.

Ambassador Baucus claims these displays of affection undermine America’s standing. The implication is that by fawning over Xi, Trump somehow emboldened China and weakened our negotiating position. Okay, Boomer, let’s unpack that a bit. Maybe, just maybe, the real weakness was thinking that personal flattery could override decades of geopolitical competition and fundamentally different economic systems. You can’t charm your way out of state-sponsored intellectual property theft, folks. Just ask anyone who’s ever tried.

Tariffs, Trade Wars, and Tweeting Tirades

Remember the trade war? Oh, how could we forget? It dominated the news cycle for what felt like an eternity. Trump, fueled by his gut instincts and a profound misunderstanding of global economics, slapped tariffs on Chinese goods, China retaliated, and American consumers ended up footing the bill. And for what? A slightly altered trade deficit and a whole lot of economic uncertainty. The famed Phase One trade deal, signed in 2020, was hailed as a triumph, but in reality, it was more of a ceasefire than a lasting peace. China never fully met its purchasing commitments, and the underlying issues remained unresolved. So much winning!

And let’s not forget the tweets. The constant barrage of pronouncements, threats, and boasts. It was like conducting foreign policy via ADHD-fueled stream of consciousness. One minute he’s calling Xi a “great leader,” the next he’s accusing China of currency manipulation. Consistency? What’s consistency?

Deja Vu All Over Again?

The real kicker here is that Trump, during his 2016 campaign, hammered Obama for being “too soft” on China. He promised to be tough, to hold China accountable for its unfair trade practices, to bring back jobs to America. Fast forward to his presidency, and we see a pattern of tough talk followed by… well, not much actual change. Lots of bluster, some tariffs, a trade deal that didn’t quite deliver, and the occasional awkward photo op with Xi Jinping. So, yeah, hard to see how the US didn’t look weak when the tough talk didn’t actually result in any meaningful, long-term victories for American interests.

Now, as he eyes a return to the White House, the question is: will it be more of the same? Will we see another round of tariff threats, followed by backroom deals and public displays of affection? Or will he actually learn from the past and adopt a more coherent and effective strategy for dealing with China? Don’t hold your breath.

The Economic Illiteracy of It All

The core issue, of course, is Trump’s rather… idiosyncratic view of economics. He seems to believe that trade is a zero-sum game, that one country’s gain is necessarily another country’s loss. This simplistic view ignores the complexities of global supply chains, comparative advantage, and the benefits of international specialization. Slapping tariffs on imports might feel good in the short term, but it ultimately hurts American businesses and consumers by raising prices and limiting choices. It’s economic populism at its finest – or, more accurately, its most misguided.

And let’s not even get started on the national debt. Trump promised to eliminate it during his campaign. Instead, it ballooned under his watch, thanks in part to tax cuts for the wealthy and increased government spending. So much for fiscal responsibility.

Snarky Takeaway

So, Trump praised Xi, the US looked weak? News at 11. The whole thing is a masterclass in performative diplomacy and economic theater. Expect more drama, more tariffs, and maybe even another awkward handshake or two. Just try not to choke on your popcorn.