Anwar: Asia, Global Trade Will Weather 'Trump 2.0' Shock

LONDON — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has downplayed concerns over economic chaos in Asia following Donald Trump’s second term as US president, expressing confidence that global trade will remain stable in the long run.

In an interview with the Financial Times, Anwar acknowledged the potential for initial uncertainty, but predicted that “reason will probably prevail” within months. He emphasized the significant interests US companies have in foreign trade and investments, which would help maintain stability.

Anwar also noted that leaders like China’s Xi Jinping and UAE’s Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan were not overly concerned about Trump’s policies. While tariffs may create short-term turbulence, he suggested that long-term trade barriers would not be sustainable due to high interdependence.

The Prime Minister described Trump as "more determined" than his predecessor, Joe Biden, and said it was too early to judge whether working with Trump would be easier, but expressed hope, quoting Barack Obama’s “audacity of hope.”

Trump was inaugurated today for a historic second term as US president.