Hearts & Minds: How to deal with Trump, courtesy of AI and the man himself

How should the world respond to Donald Trump’s tariffs blast? It’s been occupying governmental and corporate minds ever since the president stood in front of his board of shame in the White House Rose Garden.

For guidance, Hearts & Minds turned to AI. It was asked for a left field, creative strategy that might wrong foot Trump and get him to do a deal and cut tariffs. This suggestion stood out. Psychological Play: Act Like the Deal is Already Done: ‘Act as if a mutually beneficial deal has already been agreed upon. For example, publicly announce initiatives that assume tariff reductions are imminent, such as joint investment programs or trade fairs showcasing US - UK cooperation. Frame discussions with US negotiators around logistics and implementation rather than debating terms, subtly reinforcing the narrative that a deal is inevitable.’

To probe deeper, the next stop was Trump’s 1987 bestseller and the book that begat The Apprentice that led to his run for the presidency: ‘The Art of the Deal’.

Among its recommendations: ‘The worst thing you can possibly do in a deal is seem desperate to make it. That makes the other guy smell blood, and then you’re dead. The best thing you can do is deal from strength, and leverage is the biggest strength you can have. Leverage is having something the other guy wants. Or better yet, needs. Or best of all, simply can’t do without.’

Trump said this: ‘My leverage came from confirming an impression they were already predisposed to believe.’

In which case, turn tariffs against him. Go for the psychological play. Instead of protesting and arguing, move the discussion on, to assume agreement has been reached and you’re happy with the outcome. Talk about how best to sell it, that reflects well on both parties.

He might like that. ‘The final key to the way I promote is bravado. I play to people’s fantasies. People may not always think big themselves, but they can still get very excited by those who do. That’s why a little hyperbole never hurts. People want to believe that something is the biggest and the greatest and the most spectacular. I call it truthful hyperbole. It’s an innocent form of exaggeration - and a very effective form of promotion.’

Remember: ‘You can’t be scared. You do your thing, you hold your ground, you stand up tall, and whatever happens, happens.’

Chris Blackhurst is one of the UK’s foremost business journalists. He was previously Editor of The Independent and City Editor of the Evening Standard.