Trump Faces Scrutiny Over Trade Deals and India-Pakistan Cease-Fire Claims

WASHINGTON—During a recent episode of The David Frum Show, David Frum highlighted what he termed “the week of the four scams” involving President Donald Trump, emphasizing alleged misinformation around trade deals and the India-Pakistan cease-fire.

Frum, a writer for The Atlantic, stated that Trump has attempted to take credit for initiatives that he argues were largely self-promotional and devoid of substance. He specifically criticized Trump’s claims regarding a cease-fire between India and Pakistan, pointing out that the President’s influence on the agreement was minimal.

This assertion aligns with the views of Dr. Shashi Tharoor, an Indian Member of Parliament, who joined Frum on the show to discuss the cease-fire. Dr. Tharoor noted that while the U.S. engaged in dialogue with Indian officials, it did not constitute mediation, as India historically rejects such involvement.

Frum elaborated on three domestic scams, focusing on trade agreements with Britain and China, which he described as mere announcements lacking formal congressional approval. He argued the tariffs imposed during Trump’s presidency remain higher than before his term began, questioning the authenticity of Trump’s claims.

In a separate controversial move, Trump proposed accepting a personal jet from Qatar, which Frum condemned as blatantly corrupt and unprecedented among U.S. presidents. He emphasized the un-American nature of such a transaction.

As the conversation turned to the dynamics of U.S.-India relations, Tharoor argued that while American mediation could have been helpful in de-escalating tensions, the narrative put forth by Trump suggested a cooperative effort that did not take place. He criticized the Trump administration for attempting to take credit for an already unfolding situation.

The discussion brought attention to broader geopolitical tensions, particularly highlighting the influence of China and Pakistan on India. Tharoor noted that Pakistan’s longstanding issues with terrorism and its alliance with China complicate any potential pathways to peace.

Ultimately, both Frum and Tharoor called for a more realistic understanding of the U.S.’s role in international relations and cautioned against viewing Trump’s narrative as a reflection of actual diplomatic achievements.