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Trump's aggressive tactics—claiming the US held a "royal straight flush"—are depicted as bluffing in a game where everyone could see his cards. His attempts to intimidate China and other nations resulted in a collective skepticism that diminished the US's influence. The US's goal of portraying itself as the dominant economic hub failed as global actors recognized the limitations of its leverage.
Furthermore, Trump’s approach is likened to a schoolyard bully—imposing tariffs intended to coerce compliance but ultimately self-defeating, especially when tariffs become tantamount to taxes paid by Americans. The situation reveals a disconnect between political posturing and economic reality, with US consumers bearing the brunt of increased costs.