I don’t see it that way.
This looks to me like basic tough but fair game theory that Trump is using, which always starts out positive and co-operative.
Considering that tough but fair are words that Trump’s family use to describe him repeatedly, I am convinced this is what he’s doing.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tit_for_tat
“game theory that Trump is using, which always starts out positive and co-operative.”
Game Theory.
One of my all time favorites!