As Donald Trump’s administration settles into a global trade war — at least momentarily obscuring its war on the federal government and on the limitation of executive power, which continues on many fronts — it’s a good time for a reality check on the political capital he carries into the next turbulent phase of his second presidency.

President Donald Trump has a net negative approval rating in eight of nine polls taken in the wake of his sweeping tariff announcement on April 2—though most Americans don’t think Trump will stick with the new levies,

Trump's comments further pointed to a diminished appetite for sharply higher across-the-board tariffs on dozens of countries after markets reacted violently to their introduction on April 2.

President Trump said he is optimistic that the U.S. can reach a deal on tariffs with China. He also appeared to signal he might lower the current 145% tariffs. Photo: Chris Kleponis/Pool via CNP/Zuma