Trump's public confrontation with Walmart over tariff-related price increases reveals deeper contradictions in his economic strategy. An economist explains why this conflict matters to American consumers and Trump's voter base.

The trade truce between the US and China appears increasingly fragile, as both sides trade barbs just more than a week after sending markets into euphoria by pausing sky-high tariffs on one another. China’s Commerce Ministry said Wednesday that it would take legal action against any organization or individual assisting the US in discouraging the use of China’s advanced semiconductors.

It’s a tale of two retailers. Home Depot is leaning into tariffs by holding prices steady for customers. Meanwhile, Walmart said last week it will do the opposite and raise prices. That contrast tells you who’s playing offense and who’s playing defense.

Global retailers like Birkenstock and Pandora are planning to increase prices worldwide. This is to offset the impact of US tariffs. This strategy could lead to inflation in Europe and Britain. Central banks are closely monitoring the situation.

Treasury Secretary Bessent told NBC News' "Meet the Press" the administration was focused on its 18 most important trading relationships.

Target slashed its annual sales forecast on Wednesday after posting a sharp decline in quarterly same-store sales, attributing the declines to weakened consumer confidence and a pullback in discretionary spending due to U.

President Trump is shifting the pressure to big companies to deal with rising costs from his tariff plan, leaning into populism as a tactic to sell his trade policy to Americans. Trump blasted

But while retailers have been struggling on a broad level, Walmart has managed to thrive. 💵💰Don't miss the move: Subscribe to TheStreet's free daily newsletter💰💵 During its most recent earnings report,