A recent live TV interview between Donald Trump and a local Las Vegas news station has sparked intense reactions from both his supporters and critics. The interview, broadcast by *KTNV Channel 13 Las Vegas*, showcased a reporter’s gradual realization that Trump struggled to grasp basic economic concepts, leading to a moment of live embarrassment for the former president. This particular segment has since gone viral, gaining attention for exposing Trump’s inability to provide coherent responses on technical economic questions.

During the interview, Trump was asked a relatively simple question about tariffs—a topic central to his economic policies. Instead of answering directly, Trump dodged the question, using pre-written catchphrases that had little relevance to the issue at hand. When the reporter pressed him further, Trump defaulted to his usual rhetoric, speaking about “tremendous growth” and “drill baby drill.” This inability to address the actual economic mechanisms at play, particularly when it comes to tariffs, became a focal point of the conversation.

One of the key moments in the interview occurred when the reporter asked Trump about how he planned to replace revenue lost from federal budget cuts. Instead of providing a structured answer, Trump deflected, claiming that tariffs would bring in unprecedented revenue. He boasted about charging countries like China “hundreds of billions of dollars in taxes” and how this supposedly led to lower inflation during his administration. However, this answer revealed a fundamental misunderstanding of how tariffs work—an issue that the reporter subtly exposed throughout the conversation.

The video, which has only a few thousand views, offers a rare glimpse into a live Trump interview gone wrong. As viewers watched, they saw Trump fumble through his explanation of tariffs, inflation, and the Federal Reserve’s role in interest rates. His claim that he could lower interest rates as president suggests a lack of understanding about the independence of the Federal Reserve, an entity that controls monetary policy and sets interest rates without direct intervention from the president.

Tariffs, when applied properly, can be used as a tool to discourage imports from certain countries by making foreign goods more expensive. This can encourage consumers to buy domestic products. However, tariffs also raise prices for American consumers, something Trump appeared not to grasp. He described tariffs as “the most beautiful word” and denied their inflationary impact, all while ignoring the basic economic principle that tariffs often result in higher prices for consumers.

The highlight of the interview came when the reporter drew a clever analogy, comparing tariffs on foreign goods to a hypothetical tax on golf club memberships at Trump’s own resorts. The question was meant to illustrate how costs imposed on businesses are often passed down to consumers. Trump, clearly caught off guard, deflected with a quip about golf, admitting that it “depends on the market,” but offering no substantial response. His inability to directly engage with the analogy further demonstrated his confusion on the subject.

Viewers took to social media to share their thoughts, with many expressing disbelief at Trump’s lack of understanding. Some pointed out that the former president, who frequently boasts about his business acumen, was unable to provide a coherent answer about basic economic principles. The viral nature of the video also brought attention to Trump’s long-standing habit of diverting attention with off-topic remarks when faced with challenging questions.

In addition to the awkward economic exchanges, Trump also faced questions about his foreign policy stances, particularly regarding China. Once again, he resorted to his usual talking points, claiming that his hardline stance against China had made him unpopular with some Republicans. He blamed his critics for being “taken care of by people,” alluding to vague accusations of financial corruption within the Biden administration, while avoiding any mention of his own controversial actions during his presidency.

The interview serves as a reflection of Trump’s often unpredictable approach to communication, where deflection and rhetoric take precedence over substantive answers. While his core supporters may appreciate his bravado, this interview highlighted his inability to engage in detailed policy discussions, particularly on issues like tariffs and economic policy. As the 2024 election draws nearer, moments like these may fuel growing concerns about Trump’s grasp of complex issues and his ability to lead effectively on an international stage.

For now, the viral video continues to circulate online, with some of Trump’s supporters dismissing the interview as yet another example of biased media coverage, while others, including independent viewers, see it as a troubling sign of incompetence. As political tensions rise, one thing remains clear: Trump’s interviews, once seen as a strength of his campaign, are becoming a double-edged sword that reveal more than they conceal.