Ahead of Mike Pompeo’s photo op in California today, Democratic National Committee spokesperson John Weber released the following statement:

“Pompeo can’t spin his boss’ incompetence with a photo op. From starting and losing a disastrous trade war to groveling for reelection help, Donald Trump has always failed to stand up to China. Now, working families across the country are paying the price for his broken promises. It’s no wonder Trump told President Xi that Democrats would be tougher — he knows he’s not up to the job. ”

BACKGROUND ON TRUMP’S BROKEN PROMISES

Promise: “China will come to the table. They will give us everything we want. That won’t even be a hard negotiation.” [Trump Press Conference, 5/15/2015]

• Reality: Trump’s disastrous trade war with China cost tens of billions of dollars, slowed economic growth, destroyed nearly $2 trillion in stock market value, and hampered business investment.

• Reality: Trump’s trade war added $800 in annual costs for each American household.

Promise: “We will have better relationships with China. They’ll respect us. They don’t respect us now. They think we’re the dumbest people on Earth, led by the world’s dumbest people.” [Trump Campaign Speech, 3/3/2016]

• Reality: Trump’s response to the pandemic was delayed by a desire to avoid upsetting China as he scrambled to begin undoing the damage caused by his failed trade war.

• Reality: Trump’s own former national security advisor wrote that he “asked Chinese President Xi Jinping to help him win the 2020 U.S. election,” even arguing that Democrats would be less conciliatory.