The scary thing is how easily this president lies when things are reasonably stable - no wars, a strong if faltering economy.

Now imagine this:
2020 rolls in, the economy worsens due to uncertainty and tit-for-tat maneuvers between the US and China. Trump's reelection chances fall seriously in doubt and his eratic behavior starts real talk about forced removal from White House due to incompetency. Trump sees the presidency coming to an end, and hears the baying of Democrats to put him on trial after his election, he sees its now a fight for his personal survival.

That's when he gets the call none of us will hear about. It could be from Russia, it could be from China, and it'll say "President Trump, you're a man who needs allies to keep at bay your enemies within your own country. If you continue as you are, your future may well be behind bars or bankrupt. We can help you. Put an end to these critics of yours, keep you in power and wealth for the rest of your days. The world needs a stable America and we can help you stabilize it. We will do this favour for you and all we ask in return is that you help with a few of our goals" At that point there will be a real foreign asset in the White House.

He is interested in his own pocket.
He could care less about farmers or steelworkers.

The instant assumption of course is that he is lying (again). But its also possible he imagines the whole thing. This is quite common in some forms of dementia.

They are really trying to see if he wants extra egg fried rice with that.

Yes, in his own head and the heads of the people who believe what he says.

The local Chinese takeaway is playing jokes on him.😁