Is Trump a paper tiger?

When Donald Trump said he would “rescue” protesters if Iranian authorities started shooting, demonstrators believed him as it was the first time in their lives that the president of the United States had promised to help demonstrators. 

Reassured, they took to the streets, joining the growing crowds, just to get shot without the US doing anything. On 8 January, the internet was shut off, Iran went dark and thousands were shot. Trump urged Iranians to keep protesting and to “take over your institutions”, telling them “help is on its way”, as reports grew that a strike on Iran was imminent. 

But just a day later, Trump abruptly did an about-face, telling reporters that he had received assurances that Iranian authorities would not execute anyone, walking back from military intervention in Iran. 

Likewise, Trump made an 180 degree turn on his threat to take Greenland by force and impose tariffs on some of the EU nations opposed his moves, condemned his rhetoric and threatened immediate economic and diplomatic retaliation. 

Trump’s "turnaround" followed a meeting with NATO leaders where a "framework" for an Arctic security deal was allegedly established, addressing US security concerns without a full acquisition.

The bottom line was that in both cases Trump backed off from his strong words showing that under pressure he was no more than a “paper tiger”. 

Some will say this is a subjective point, based on his perceived inconsistent actions or rhetoric, while his supporters (including Trump himself, who applied it to Russia) see it as a descriptor for perceived weaknesses in opponents or allies. 

Supporters of his “paper tiger” persona point to instances where Trump allegedly backed down from strong stances, used China for leverage, or struggled to enforce tough talk with world leaders, while some political figures, like Chris Christie, have called him this to suggest a lack of real threat behind his bluster. 

At any rate, the man must always be pushed back as any bully should, to lose their venom, their effect and their all-powerful facade. This emperor has no clothes!