At the very least, assuming he IS playing the democrats, I’m not exactly comfortable with the level of naked duplicity on Trump’s part such a strategy would indicate.
Seriously though, I hope it’s duplicity vis-a-vis the Democrats rather than his supporters. Given Democratic antics on law and order and immigration, among other things, I have no issue with any amount of political maneuvering, as long as it’s used to advance his campaign promises.
While I understand, and to some degree sympathize, with your point, I make great distinction between tough negotiating and “bad faith” negotiating.
That Schumer is asking for more today than Trump was offering yesterday seems to indicate a misstep on Trumps part to me.