Trump’s Trade Twist: A Quick Detour Back to the TPP
In a surprising turn of events, President Donald Trump is now asking his senior aides to look into re‑joining the 11‑nation Trans‑Pacific Partnership (TPP). The move came on Thursday after the White House announced that the president wants to explore a “better deal” if it can be negotiated.
Why This Is A Big Deal For Some
- Farm‑state lawmakers cheer the shift, seeing it as a chance to protect American growers.
- The TPP was stalled by Trump’s 2017 exit; now the president’s team is ready to roll the wheel forward again.
- Trade‑phobic critics warn this could look like a “flip‑flop,” but the White House insists it’s a logical next step.
White House’s Take Is “Consistent” With Past Comments
“We didn’t stay in the TPP because it didn’t benefit American workers and farmers,” Deputy Press Secretary Lindsay Walters said. “But I’ve always said we’re open to a better pact.” In other words, he’s basically saying – “sure thing, let’s give it another go if we can do better.”
Inside the Trade Circle
Trump’s new cabinet is full of hard‑liners who favor bilateral deals over multilateral ones. They think that one‑on‑one talks play to U.S. strengths. Yet the president himself, at the 2020 World Economic Forum, hinted he’d consider talking to the TPP members anew – either solo or as a group.
What’s at Stake?
Even after pulling out, Trump kept NAFTA alive and rolled back some tariffs on steel and aluminum for his biggest trade partners. But the TPP, which the U.S. had abandoned, continues to push forward without American engagement. Should the U.S. re‑enter, it might cement a stronger stance against China (a non‑TPP participant) and showcase a more flexible trade image.
Mixed Reactions
- Supportive voices: Senator Deb Fischer (R‑Nebraska) called the decision a “boost” for the TPP alliance.
- Opponents: Public Citizen’s Lori Wallach warned the move could appeal to Democrats but signal inconsistency on labor rights.
- Union leader Richard Trumka slammed the TPP as a blow to workers and insisted it shouldn’t be revived.
Will We See a TPP Comeback?
While the U.S. is keen to negotiate a stronger cloak, the other 11 TPP countries must decide how inviting an American return would seem. And yet the journey’s just begun – this stunt shows Trump’s approach might be less hard‑nosed than his earlier headlines suggested.
