Trump using cudgel against world trade

Even though Washington helped design the World Trade Organization and the trade body usually rules in favor of the United States when Washington brings cases before it, US President Donald Trump seems intent not only on criticizing the WTO but on sidelining it completely.

Reports reveal he has been considering the draft of a bill for the US to abandon key WTO principles so he can "have more say" over US trade policy.

A White House official confirmed to CNN that Trump ordered the draft legislation and was briefed on it in May, even though those who drew up the proposal believe it to be "unworkable".