Brooks and Capehart Analyze Trump's Enduring Trade Conflict

How Have Businesses Adapted to the New Trade Reality?

On August 28, 2026, David Brooks of The Atlantic and Jonathan Capehart of MS NOW joined Geoff Bennett on PBS NewsHour to discuss the long-term implications of former President Donald Trump's trade policies. The conversation took place during a live broadcast from Washington, D. C., focusing on how these policies continue to shape international economic relations years after Trump left office. Both commentators emphasized that the effects of the trade war are not temporary but have become embedded in global supply chains and diplomatic strategies.

Brooks argued that Trump's approach fundamentally altered the United States' stance on trade, shifting from multilateral cooperation to unilateral pressure tactics that other nations now anticipate and prepare for. Capehart added that the political rhetoric surrounding trade has become more polarized, making it difficult for current administrations to negotiate compromises without facing accusations of weakness. They noted that industries reliant on imported materials, such as automotive and agriculture, still face uncertainty due to lingering tariffs and retaliatory measures from countries like China and the European Union.

What Role Does Public Opinion Play in Shaping Trade Policy?

Many companies have restructured their operations to reduce dependence on foreign suppliers, investing in domestic production or diversifying across multiple countries to mitigate risk. Brooks pointed out that while some firms benefited from protectionist measures, others suffered from increased costs and disrupted logistics. Capehart highlighted that small businesses, in particular, lack the resources to navigate complex trade regulations, putting them at a disadvantage compared to larger corporations with legal and lobbying teams.

Public sentiment remains divided, with polls showing strong support for protecting American jobs but also concern over rising consumer prices. Brooks observed that political leaders often mirror this ambivalence, campaigning on tough trade stances while avoiding concrete actions that could trigger economic backlash. Capehart questioned whether lasting change is possible when policy shifts depend more on electoral cycles than long-term strategic planning, suggesting that without bipartisan consensus, trade policy will continue to swing unpredictably.

Did Trump's trade war achieve its goal of reducing the U. S. trade deficit? No, the trade deficit with China and other nations remained largely unchanged or increased in some sectors due to retaliatory tariffs and shifts in global trade patterns.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are any of the tariffs imposed during the Trump administration still in effect? Yes, many tariffs on Chinese goods remain active, though some have been adjusted or exempted through subsequent negotiations, leaving a patchwork of ongoing restrictions.

Has the trade war influenced how other countries view U. S. reliability as a trade partner? Yes, several allies have expressed concerns about the unpredictability of American trade policy, prompting them to strengthen economic ties with other nations to reduce dependency on the United States.