US President Donald Trump has slammed the Koch brothers and their powerful political operation, describing the conservative group as “globalist” and “a total joke,” amid signs of growing public tensions between the president and American business groups over tariffs and trade.
Trump’s comments on Tuesday follow news media reports that Charles and David Koch, as well as their donor network, are concerned the president’s spending plans and trade policies could fuel a recession and want to scale back support of Republican candidates.
“The globalist Koch Brothers, who have become a total joke in real Republican circles, are against Strong Borders and Powerful Trade. I never sought their support because I don’t need their money or bad ideas. Their network is highly overrated, I have beaten them at every turn,” Trump tweeted.
Ironically, Trump’s economic policies, including last year’s tax cuts for businesses, has helped wealthy…