On the contrary, I think he got everyone's attention and they're coming to the bargaining table willing to make a good deal for the US. It's exactly the tactics espoused in Art of the Deal.
I think there are two things at play here.
1) Narrow the gap between the wealthy and the rest: attempt to reduce the US public sector, backtrack on globalization, and enact policies to benefit the median American, not the mean American [1].
2) Prepare the US for possible conflict with China (maybe over Taiwan) and avoid supply chain disruption that would make Covid look mild.
I think both of these things are sensible positions to take.
When you look at it through this lens, it starts to have some logic to it. Again we can debate the merits and drawbacks of this strategy, but I think it's what is behind everything. Things like his stance on Panama start to fit into the picture when you look at it this way.
It is not the actions of someone stupid or insane.
Eliminating entitlements and deregulating (particularly consumer protection) is not a great way to narrow the wealth gap. Nor is semi-firing the federal workforce and advocating for onshoring of unskilled jobs. Nor is demanding interest rate cuts. Nor is treating the stock market like a yo-yo. Nor is ignoring people without medical insurance. Nor is attempting to eliminate social security.
This could absolutely be all about asserting dominance over China. It could be a great way to deter or blunt the threat of war. It might backfire horribly. We shall see.
He is stupid. You just have to listen to him speak to understand that. But he doesn't invent policy, he has people for that.
I think there are two things at play here.
1) Narrow the gap between the wealthy and the rest: attempt to reduce the US public sector, backtrack on globalization, and enact policies to benefit the median American, not the mean American [1].
2) Prepare the US for possible conflict with China (maybe over Taiwan) and avoid supply chain disruption that would make Covid look mild.
I think both of these things are sensible positions to take.
When you look at it through this lens, it starts to have some logic to it. Again we can debate the merits and drawbacks of this strategy, but I think it's what is behind everything. Things like his stance on Panama start to fit into the picture when you look at it this way.
It is not the actions of someone stupid or insane.
[1] https://youtu.be/bzWrA6jRbTM?si=uwvgpg0RprDBPEeU&t=253