(NewsNation) — Cenk Uygur, founder and host of “The Young Turks,” doesn’t think President Donald Trump has done a good job selling his tariff vision to the American people.
“Why is he blowing it? Partly because he lacks empathy,” Uygur told NewsNation’s Leland Vittert on Tuesday.
The progressive political commentator said Trump should be out explaining his long-term strategy to comfort Americans who have seen their stock portfolios plummet recently. Instead, the president has told people not to be “weak” or “stupid” but “strong, courageous, and patient.”
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“He’s so self-obsessed, he’s such a narcissist,” Uygur said. “For a normal person, let alone a politician, this is a layup.”
Vittert argued Trump is well-regarded for his interpersonal skills and known to be “incredibly empathetic” one-on-one.
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Another obstacle for Trump’s tariff messaging? Uygur doesn’t think the president has decided whether the tariffs will be long-term, aimed at bringing jobs back, or temporary to negotiate better trade deals.
“I don’t think Donald Trump has made up his mind,” Uygur said. “You can’t have it both ways. Those are two different strategies.”
Watch the interview with Uygur in the player above.
