A Trump promise may be as worth as a degree from Trump University, his election may have reduced America to an object of ridicule, his pronouncements may baffle friend and foe, but no one should accuse the Donald (or his handlers) of stupidity. 

Whether it is a few Tomahawks on Syria to shore up lagging popularity numbers, tariffs on Canadian softwood lumber to satisfy protectionists or slashed corporate taxes to delight his elite supporters, the Donald does what needs to be done to hold on to power. 

That it risks alienating trade partners, heralding WWIII, destroying the environment or impoverishing the masses are negligible details.