Fox 5’s DMV Zone: Michael Landsberg Appears on Fox 5’s ‘DMV Zone’ to Discuss Tariffs

April 10, 2025

“The tariff issues kind of sucked the air out of every room we’ve been in,” said Michael Landsberg, Chief Investment Officer at Landsberg Bennett Private Wealth Management, during his appearance on Fox 5’s DMV Zone. Landsberg shared his thoughts on the market reaction to the evolving trade strategy between the U.S., European Union, and China—emphasizing how ongoing tariff policy has shifted investor focus away from economic data and earnings.

Key Takeaways:

  1. Tariff headlines continue to overshadow fundamentals: Landsberg observed that strong data—such as a better-than-expected inflation reading and steady employment—has taken a backseat to trade headlines. “We don’t get to talk about earnings anymore,” he said, pointing out that market attention remains dominated by tariff developments.
  2. Treasury market reaction may have influenced policy pivot: He suggests the administration may have responded to recent weakness in U.S. Treasury demand by strategically pausing some tariffs to strengthen international cooperation. “The Treasury market was not responding particularly well,” Landsberg noted, adding that the government likely sought international support to stabilize auctions and signal alignment.
  3. Focus shifting from Europe to China: According to Landsberg, the trade policy appears to be transitioning toward a more targeted approach. “I think there’s actually more animosity now directed towards China,” he said, suggesting the White House is attempting to consolidate support from European allies while narrowing its trade confrontation.
  4. Tariffs linked to broader fiscal objectives: Landsberg believes tariff revenue may play a role in broader policy goals, including funding potential tax cuts. He noted the administration appears to be balancing revenue collection with diplomatic efforts, trying to secure income streams from multiple regions without straining alliances.

Landsberg emphasized that while some movement toward tariff de-escalation with the EU may offer relief, the broader uncertainty remains unresolved. He recommends keeping attention on how these international dynamics evolve, especially as they relate to U.S.–China relations and fiscal policy implications.

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