China, Now Mexico? Trump’s Trade Obsession in 7 Stories

Trade policy has always been important to President Trump, but its meaning has changed. It was once a psychological punching bag Trump could be used to vent frustrations — largely about people somewhere else taking advantage of America. Now, it’s a weapon he uses to pursue other goals, from countering the influence of China to cutting off immigration. That in itself is nothing new, Washington’s trade purists have long complained that policies are driven not by rational economics, but by back-room deals. But while earlier presidents made relatively discreet changes to trade policy, seeing it as a scalpel, Trump is wielding trade policy more like a bludgeon. Now that the trade war with China is in full swing and Mexico is suddenly in the crosshairs, WWD looks back to seven stories that connect the dots on Trump’s approach to trade — from his fight with Macy’s to his latest move against Mexico. 1. The Fight Begins Macy’s vs. Trump: Who Dumped Whom? — July 1, 2015 Macy’s Herald Square flagship.  Mary Altaffer/AP/REX/Shutterstock When Donald Trump kicked off his long-shot presidential campaign claiming immigrants coming from Mexico were “rapists” bringing in drugs and crime, many started distancing themselves, including Macy’s Inc., which dropped Trump-branded products emphasizing its “commitment to

Follow WWD on Twitter or become a fan on Facebook.

Read More...

from WWDWWD http://bit.ly/2Ia1a8c