Genius dealmaker, or gullible rube? Washington weighs Trump’s deal with Canada [Video]

Donald Trump: Brilliant dealmaker who wrung Canada dry? Or a gullible chump who got duped by old promises repackaged in fresh paint?

Trying to follow the Washington reaction to the tariff-pausing deal between Canada and the U.S. might give you whiplash.

The reaction here is as polarized as the politics. To the right, Trump is a negotiating genius who achieved big wins. To the left, he’s a self-obsessed sucker desperate to declare a win. Just look at Wednesday’s caucus meetings on Capitol Hill, where lawmakers served up wildly different takes to reporters, depending on their party.

“The days of America getting walked all over — my friends, those days are gone,” said Lisa McClain, chair of the House Republican conference. “In just his second week, President Trump’s deals with Canada and Mexico show his effectiveness.”

This gusher of praise coursed through Republican Washington, with Trump aide Peter Navarro crowing in a panel with Politico: “Art of the deal … Trust in Trump. He’s earned that.”

WATCH | Is Canada …