The predicted frustration of the President is now evident. Porter notes that in some moments, Trump is almost incapable of running the country (Woodward 227). Trump takes his frustration out on his advisers as well as White House staff members, all because he cannot listen carefully or for long to the advisers. Due to this, Hope Hicks wants the president to settle down, avoid doing or saying anything rash or that he would later regret (Woodward 227). The author moves on to talk about Cohn and Lighthizer. The pair have been working together for months and they need to convince Trump to agree to authorize an intellectual property inquiry into China’s trade practices (Woodward 228). It is clear that China is guilty of several trade offenses and therefore, Cohn and Lighthizer are sure that other countries will support the US if they impose a sanction on China. However, Trump is not willing to jeopardize his relationship with Xi and he, therefore, refuses to specify China as the target of the investigation (Woodward 229).

The President is still resolute in his decision to try and leave NAFTA under the current terms and begin with renegotiations. However, Cohn thinks that Trump’s plan is the most high-risk strategy and if it fails to work, it will lead to bankruptcy (Woodward 230). On another occasion, Cohn talks to the President about China as a possibly provider of drugs to the US (Woodward 231). Cohn also covers the issue of automobiles by explaining to the President the changes with the aid of relevant data (Woodward 231). The President however seems unconvinced and Cohn is sure that Navarro is the problem. Therefore, Cohn goes to Kelly and presents his concerns. In response, Kelly calls for a meeting and makes Navarro a member of the National Economic Council (Woodward 233). This works effectively as it keeps Navarro, and his opinions away from the President.