Former US Nationwide Safety Advisor Jake Sullivan has criticized Donald Trump’s newest commerce insurance policies, asserting that heavy tariffs in opposition to India are harming America’s worldwide status and making China seem extra dependable on the worldwide stage.
On The Bulwark podcast, Sullivan identified that China’s standing with many countries has improved considerably, surpassing the US in recognition in comparison with the earlier yr. In line with Sullivan, authorities leaders in Europe and Asia now view the US as more and more unreliable, whereas China is seen as behaving extra responsibly and thoughtfully in international affairs.
“China has moved forward of the USA in recognition in a complete lot of nations, and that was not the case one yr in the past, the place international locations now are principally, you already know, saying the U.S. model is in the bathroom, and China’s wanting like, really in a weird manner, a extra accountable participant. In order that’s one of many massive issues that I hear from my buddies who proceed to work in these governments in Europe, in Asia. Check out India as one other instance. I imply, this is a rustic that on a bipartisan foundation, we have been working to attempt to construct a deeper and extra sustainable relationship with, and the China problem loomed giant in that. Now you’ve got acquired President Trump executing an enormous commerce offensive in opposition to them, and the Indians are saying, nicely, shit, I assume possibly now we have to go present up in Beijing and sit with the Chinese language, as a result of we have a hedge in opposition to America,” Sullivan instructed Tim Miller on The Bulwark podcast.
“American model globally is within the TOILET, Trump commerce offensive India China America Ex-NSA Jake Sullivan Trump coverage… pic.twitter.com/pPzTih4ImW—Jitendra pratap singh (@jpsin1) August 30, 2025
Sullivan’s remarks come days after Trump’s 50% tariff on India got here into impact. Washington initially imposed a 25% tariff on India, citing unfair commerce practices. Days later, Trump added an additional 25% tariff on New Delhi over its refusal to halt the import of Russian crude oil.

