Opinion | Unhinged by Woordward’s expose, Trump may create a ‘Wag the Dog’ crisis for Asia’s markets
Who would’ve thought Asia’s fortunes might turn with the pages of a Bob Woodward book?
That is a growing risk as US President Donald Trump goes berserk over Fear, Woodward’s incendiary look at a White House in crisis. Yet, not because China, South Korea and North Korea figure prominently in the narrative, but how Team Trump might lash out Asia’s way.
Woodward’s depiction of Trump - essentially, that he is a national security threat - is pushing his rage, paranoia and unpredictability to new heights. And if we know anything about Trump’s temperament, it’s that he looks for rapid ploys to change the subject.
Legislative prospects are sliding with Trump’s support rates. That leaves trade tariffs on Asian goods as the cudgel of choice for the “America First” leader.
The levies Trump slapped on steel (25 per cent) and aluminium (10 per cent) in June coincided with damning disclosures about his team’s contacts with Russians and corruption charges heaped at cabinet members.