‘Huge Stakes’: Mark Penn Explains Why US-China Trade Fight Could Be Tougher Than Ukraine War

Political strategist Mark Penn warned Friday that the brewing economic confrontation between the United States and China could prove more difficult to manage than the Ukraine-Russia conflict.

President Donald Trump said his proposed 100% tariff on Chinese goods was “not sustainable,” and pointed to Beijing’s rare earth export restrictions for derailing trade negotiations. Appearing on “Special Report with Bret Baier,” Penn said that the U.S.–China trade showdown is shaping up to be one of the most consequential economic battles in decades.

“I think the president is right. They also both can’t afford to fail because they can’t afford to throw either economy into further disruption because there’s just too much at stake. But this is not going to go easy. We’re going to have more roller coaster rides before this is over,” Penn said.

Penn said Trump was correct to call the trade standoff unsustainable, warning that both Washington and Beijing face immense pressure to avoid economic fallout.

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“It’s not sustainable. And this could be tougher than the Ukraine war. You’ve got two very determined leaders, both with huge economy, both with huge stakes here in terms of the outcome,” Penn told Bret Baier. (RELATED: Mark Penn Says Democrats Have Hidden Agenda When It Comes To Epstein Files)

Last week, Trump threatened to slap China with a 100% tariff and warned that his planned summit with President Xi Jinping might be scrapped amid Beijing’s escalating economic pressure campaign. China tightened export controls on rare earth minerals and targeted U.S. companies with new port fees and an antitrust probe in response to Washington’s trade measures.

Trump later said that the U.S. would impose a 100% tariff on Chinese goods starting Nov. 1 and restrict exports of critical software, warning the measures could take effect sooner if Beijing escalates further.

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