David Cay Johnston on Trump's Ignorance, Weak Negotiating Position, and Monetizing the Presidency

Trump's Weak Negotiating Stance

• 📉 Donald Trump is described as being in a significantly weak negotiating position due to ongoing court rulings against him and failed deals.
• 🚗 His UK trade deal is characterized as a "complete non-deal," with a negligible impact on US car sales, and a symbolic meeting with UK's Starmer yielding no concrete results.
• 🇨🇳 Similarly, negotiations with China are seen as a result of China's own interests, with Trump's "appalling ignorance" being a key factor.
• 🇲🇽 The Mexican government is perceived as being firm in negotiations due to the US's greater need for Mexican agricultural products.
• 🇨🇦 Trump's misunderstanding of Canada as a non-significant trading partner, when it is actually the largest, is highlighted as an example of his ignorance.

Monetizing the Presidency and Constitutional Flouting

• 💰 Johnston alleges that Trump is monetizing the presidency on a grand scale, citing a $142 billion arms deal with Saudi Arabia as something Trump would claim credit for, though likely already in the works.
• ✈️ A gifted plane from Qatar is viewed as a bribe, not a legitimate gift, and a clear instance of Trump flouting the Constitution and laws regarding foreign emoluments.
• 🏨 The practice of foreign governments and entities paying exorbitant rates for Trump properties, like the Trump Hotel in DC, is presented as a clear signal of demanding tribute for favors.
• 🏦 Trump has allegedly taken at least $1.7 billion from foreign governments and favor-seekers during his presidency.

Trump's Personal and Business Dealings

• 🔗 Trump's lifelong association with criminals is detailed, including his business dealings with Joseph Wexelbaum, a confessed major drug trafficker.
• 🤝 His pardons of serious criminals, including the head of Silk Road and major drug traffickers, are mentioned as part of this pattern.
• 💡 Trump's negotiation style is characterized by flattery, which he exploits to gain concessions, stemming from a deep-seated insecurity and a "hollow vessel" interior.
• ⏳ In contrast to American businesses and politicians with short-term thinking, China is described as thinking strategically and long-term, like the Catholic Church.

The Ukraine Conflict and Putin's Strategy

• 🇺🇦 Trump's promise to settle the war in Ukraine in one day has not materialized, and Vladimir Putin's goal of rebuilding the Soviet empire remains clear.
• 💥 Putin is not expected to give up unless forced, and Trump has been accused of spouting Putin's propaganda.
• 📉 Despite significant costs, Russia has gained minimal territory in Ukraine, indicating a severe strain on its military and economy, with acknowledgments of using basic transport like donkey carts for munitions.
• 🇷🇺 Putin needs peace to rebuild his military, and Russia faces severe economic hardship, including importing basic goods like potatoes.
• ⚠️ The potential for Trump to look foolish if Putin does not show up to peace talks in Turkey is highlighted, reinforcing his weak position.