Today, Martha, Amy, and Matt unpack the Trump administration’s decision to grant another 90-day pause on proposed tariffs against China—a new round of extensions that leave businesses in a wait-and-see mode until November. The pause reflects a broader shift in U.S. policy, where economic deal-making often takes precedence over national security imperatives, flipping the old model which put the onus on business leaders to do the right thing for our national security.

Does this strategy strengthen America’s national security posture or simply prolong uncertainty? What leverage does the U.S. have over China, and are Americans prepared to bear higher costs in the name of economic security? Can the administration bring the public on board with the idea that economic tools are now central to national security—and will this approach yield real results before patience runs out?

Check out the sources that helped shape our Fellows’ discussions: 

https://www.cnbc.com/2025/08/11/trump-china-tariffs-deadline-extended.html  

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/aug/12/trumps-china-trade-truce-extension-spurs-market-rally 

https://www.npr.org/2025/08/12/nx-s1-5500039/us-china-tariffs-trade-truce 

Follow our experts on Twitter:

@marthamillerdc

@amykmitchell

@WMattHayden

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