In a recent televised segment, economic experts and journalists harshly criticized the U.S. administration’s erratic trade strategy, especially in its dealings with China. Treasury Secretary Scott Besson and Trade Representative Jameson Greer are finally set to meet with Chinese officials after weeks of silence following President Trump’s implementation of sweeping tariffs. While the administration touts “tailored deals” and claims that countries are eager to negotiate, the economic reality tells a different story.

Analysts argue that the administration’s approach lacks coherence and foresight. Barry Ritholtz described the tariffs as a “completely unthought out” move, while Max Chafkin emphasized the damage done by unpredictable policymaking. The notion of “strategic uncertainty,” praised by the administration as a negotiation tool, was dismissed as harmful by both experts. Businesses, they argued, need predictability to invest and grow, but instead face chaos and rising costs.

A particularly revealing moment came when Secretary Besson failed to answer a basic question in a congressional hearing: “Who pays tariffs?” His evasion highlighted a deeper issue—either a refusal to admit the truth or a lack of basic economic understanding. Historically, tariffs are paid by consumers, not foreign exporters, and they often lead to inflation in domestic markets.

This trade policy, intended to bolster American power, may have ironically weakened its position. With the U.S. entangled in over 200 trade disputes, compared to other countries dealing with just one, the “America First” doctrine appears to have isolated the country instead of strengthening it. Ultimately, experts argue that these policies risk harming both global trade and domestic economic stability.