i see it as just a distraction from the fact that interest rates are under pressure to increase while there has not been a huge economic recovery after all of the monetary easing & borrowings.
The interest repayments alone will hurt countries.

If the distraction is going to be trade and tariffs then that is way better than the other normal solution - War.

Although, on trade, I have seen first hand Chinese business "steal", I would say "naively given" Intellectual Property, and then lost the whole market to Chinese business people who had a lower cost of production in combination with tight profit margins.

There also needs to be discussion about fair tariff rates. If some countries are going to impose hefty tariffs to protect their market while other countries are expected to have open doors, it destroys local businesses.

I cannot compete against a multi national who shifts profits overseas through "highly unethical" transfer price arrangements that border on illegal, I say border on, as the Corporations Law in Australia contradicts itself vs its Related Party Section and the Tax Method of calculating margins.

The issue in the media is not addressing the deeper issues.
Trump brings up some good points, but does them in a typical, over the top way. Global trade, taxation, transfer pricing, multinationals, local taxation etc needs to be discussed and addressed.
Grand standing is just the distraction from the Obama fed debt (from 9 trillion to 19 trillion), Trumps blustering, while spending, & the increase in the 10 year bonds (@2.88%) - remember that the 2008 GFC got loans at 0% on alot of money - alot of that is maturing now and needs to be refinanced - that's alot of interest!

Just saying, it is complicated.