President Paper Tiger: Trump earns a reputation for backing down under pressure

For all of Donald Trump's chest-thumping and tough-guy bravado, the Republican's weakness is increasingly undeniable. Take his tariffs on China, for example.

Tuesday, May 13, 2025 TODAY'S TOP MADDOWBLOG POSTS President Paper Tiger: Trump earns a reputation for backing down under pressure President Paper Tiger: Trump earns a reputation for backing down under pressure For all of Donald Trump's chest-thumping and tough-guy bravado, the Republican's weakness is increasingly undeniable. Take his tariffs on China, for example. MORE On Trump's executive order on prescription drug prices, don't believe the hype On the surface, Donald Trump signed an executive order on lowering the costs of medications. Just below the surface, his plan is largely meaningless. MORE On Trump's executive order on prescription drug prices, don't believe the hype On the surface, Donald Trump signed an executive order on lowering the costs of medications. Just below the surface, his plan is largely meaningless. MORE Secretary Sean Duffy appears desperate to avoid blame as air travel concerns pile up Sean Duffy said air travel concerns should've been addressed "during Covid, when people weren't flying." But wasn't Donald Trump in office at the time? MORE Secretary Sean Duffy appears desperate to avoid blame as air travel concerns pile up Sean Duffy said air travel concerns should've been addressed "during Covid, when people weren't flying." But wasn't Donald Trump in office at the time? MORE Pressed on corruption allegations against Trump, Karoline Leavitt offers pitiful defense White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt pushed back against questions about Donald Trump's grifts. It was a predictable failure. MORE Pressed on corruption allegations against Trump, Karoline Leavitt offers pitiful defense White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt pushed back against questions about Donald Trump's grifts. It was a predictable failure. MORE MORE FROM THE MADDOWBLOG Why Donald Trump's medical records say more than he realizes Trump called out for overreach trying to make even product safety a partisan issue Free plane highlights Trump's brazen corruption and becomes a political liability for Republicans As Trump struggles to defend Qatar's luxury jet 'gift,' Republicans are divided As white South Africans arrive, Trump admin. ends temporary protected status for Afghans   MSNBC INSIGHTS Have you ever wanted to provide MSNBC with your opinion about their TV programs, documentaries, and digital products, such as MSNBC.com, newsletters, and podcasts? Now is your chance! Join the MSNBC Insights Community.   NEWS TIPS? SEND IT TO RACHEL MADDOWSHOW ON THREADS RACHEL MADDOW ON THREADS Download the MSNBC App: 30 Rockefeller Plaza New York, NY 10112 UNSUBSCRIBE | PRIVACY | CONTACT | VIEW IN BROWSER UNSUBSCRIBE | PRIVACY | CONTACT | VIEW IN BROWSER