Deal-making art that's leading US into recession

The US leader may deserve a pat on the back, at least for having the courage to eat his own words. For the first time rather than dismissing fears the US is heading for a recession, he has acknowledged that his trade attack on China may also mean economic pain for his country.

"Whether it's good for our country or bad for our country, short term, it had to be done," he said on Tuesday while trying to justify his plan to "take China on", something that he insists is "imperative". "My life would be a lot easier if I hadn't taken China on. But I like doing it because I have to do it," he said.

The remarks are a far cry from his previous claim that "trade wars are good, and easy to win". Although he still brushed aside worries that the trade tension could tip the US into recession - any signs of a slowdown would be very bad news for one who is betting on robust economic performance to secure him a second term in office.