A Seat at the Table: An Inside Account of Trump's Global Economic Revolution

An Insider’s Look at Trump’s Bold Economic Strategy. “From the trade negotiations with China to implementing the CARES Act during the pandemic, Mitchell Silk played a critical role during some of the most challenging economic moments in recent history.” —Steven T. Mnuchin, 77th Secretary of the US Treasury When Donald J. Trump took office in 2021, the world braced for disruption. From trade wars to tariffs, from rewriting the rules on China to reimagining America’s role in global infrastructure finance, his administration launched one of the most dramatic shifts in US economic policy in decades. In A Seat at the Table, Mitchell A. Silk—former senior US Treasury official and the first Chassidic Jew confirmed by the Senate to such a role—offers a rare, behind-the-scenes account of how Trump’s economic revolution unfolded at home and abroad during his first term. Drawing on years of experience in finance, law, and diplomacy, Silk takes readers into high-stakes negotiations with China, the creation of groundbreaking infrastructure finance frameworks in Latin America and Asia, and the whirlwind crafting of the CARES Act that saved hundreds of thousands of American jobs. Inside this book, you’ll discover: The Trump Doctrine on Economics: Why tariffs, deregulation, and executive orders were more than bluster—and how they reshaped America’s economic leverage. Confronting China: Firsthand accounts of trade negotiations, intellectual property battles, and the 2020 Phase 1 Trade Agreement. Fostering Global Growth and Countering the Belt and Road Initiative: How US-led alternatives like America Crecé and AsiaEDGE mobilized billions in private investment and offered a market-based challenge to Beijing. Energy Independence and Innovation: Trump’s push to expand LNG exports, revitalize coal, and position America as the global leader in fintech and digital assets. Crisis Response: The untold story of how Treasury and industry leaders partnered to save the US airline industry during COVID-19. Faith and Diplomacy: How Silk’s heritage, values, personal touch, and even a timely Yiddish proverb shaped global negotiations. For readers of political history, economic strategy, and behind-the-scenes accounts of White House decision-making, A Seat at the Table is both a roadmap and a revelation.

About the Author :
Mitchell A. Silk is a former assistant secretary for International Markets at the US Department of the Treasury and the first Hassidic Jew confirmed by the Senate for a senior federal role. With over thirty years in law and finance, he has led significant trade agreements and infrastructure initiatives globally. A graduate of Georgetown University and the University of Maryland School of Law, Mitch is fluent in Mandarin and Cantonese, and actively engages in pro bono work within the Jewish community. He currently serves as Group General Counsel of Waterton Global Resources and the Cedarfield Group.

Review :
“This isn’t just a policy book—it’s a story of conviction, creativity, and the free market at work. Mitch Silk helped shape key areas of one of the boldest reorientations of US economic policy in decades, and A Seat at the Table captures the mission and the man.” “Mitchell Silk was a trusted partner in strengthening the US-Israel economic relationship. Few people navigate both the highest levels of government and the deepest commitments of faith with the grace and conviction of Mitch Silk. This book is a rare blend of policy and personal mission—reminding us what public service can and should be.” “Mitch brought his brilliance as a lawyer, unique depth on China and infrastructure, and unwavering patriotism to our work at Treasury. A Seat at the Table captures how faith, intellect, and even a timely Yiddish proverb can strengthen the US in a complex world— whether in Beijing, Panama, or Kazakhstan.” “Mitch Silk was my law partner, Treasury colleague, and remains my friend. This book is classic Mitch—an elegant, candid, and courageous account of public service, full of stories where Talmudic wisdom meets hard-nosed financial diplomacy. A Seat at the Table shows how faith and intellect can guide a life of consequence.” “Mitch Silk was instrumental in launching the CARES Act program that saved the US airline industry and more than 600,000 jobs. He combined legal precision, policy savvy, and a steady stream of Yiddish quips that, while occasionally groan-inducing, we all learned to love. A Seat at the Table delivers that same blend of depth and heart.” “Mitchell Silk delivered real, measurable results for Panama. From the refinancing of our national utility ETESA—saving the country $60 million in debt service—to a $1.15 billion LNG project and rural electrification through micro-grids, his work under the US–Panama infrastructure framework has left a lasting legacy. A Seat at the Table is the story of how principled leadership and a home-cooked meal (with a little nip of home-infused vodka) can change the trajectory of a country.” “Thanks to Mitch Silk’s leadership, Ecuador gained not just a friend in Washington—but results for Ecuador. His work on the US–Ecuador infrastructure framework and the $3.5 billion DFC facility provided an anchor for long-term stability and opportunity to our energy and infrastructure systems. A Seat at the Table tells the story behind that breakthrough—and many others like it.” “Mitch Silk played a critical role in establishing the US–Jamaica bilateral infrastructure finance framework—an initiative that catalyzes private investment, improves infrastructure resilience, and offers a new model for development in the Caribbean. A Seat at the Table captures his rare ability to pair policy vision with human connection.” “Mitch has a truly unique perspective that comes from his experiences of different cultures and his scholarly approach to the acquisition of knowledge. I will always be grateful to him for how he moved the relationship between Taiwan and the US forward during his time in government. There is much to be learned from the experiences he shares in A Seat at the Table, especially about bridging cultures and how determination and professionalism can change the fate of nations." “Mitch helped build our China practice at a time when it required bold thinking and nuanced diplomacy. From his groundbreaking work in Asia to leading multibillion-dollar infrastructure projects in the Americas, he brought unmatched skill and cultural fluency to every transaction. This book reflects the values he brought to A&O: intellectual rigor, authenticity, emotional intelligence and impact.”