I guess he could not have used the phrase, “strongly suggest”?
I do not have one whit of concern about the “order” to inspect packages for Feytanyl. The “order” to companies to look for alternatives to China is disturbing and out of line to me. I would not want any President to be able to to that. When does he propose the companies would prepare and present their consideration of alternatives? Would they become accountable to the President as of the time of his “order”? Sounds more like the war powers act and take over of the railroads in WWI.
Have you considered that the word "order" was meant for Chinese consumption? The people of China are used to being ordered around. Now their media will report Trump's words to the Chinese people, and they will come away with strong concerns.
We can deal with his use of the word [executive] "order," especially when he is warning American companies that he's about to make some executive orders regarding Chinese trade, backed by various commerce statutes, and it's in their best interests to prepare.
I have no problem with his use of the word "order," whether it's in the phrase "executive order" or for agitprop against our enemies.
-PJ