Small correction, I've read several biographies of people close to trump, including his nephew, and trump legitimately believes he's one of the smartest people on the planet. Especially when it comes to business. His narcissism is well earned here.
He thinks elom knows more about computers, but the reason he refuses to listen to even a slightly less idiotic billionaire about the Tariffs, is because he believes he knows more than Elon about trade. He thinks he knows more about trade than economists who spends their lives doing this.
He's never had to deal with trade. His business is real estate, that's service based. Trade is a whole different system he's never been involved in. He hates trade. Even though he's benefited immensely from it.
If you haven't yet, I strongly encourage you to read the Lex Luthor: man of steel; series. Short run, maybe 6 issue mini series.
It pretty much nails the point you're making. I finished that run and was like... Hrm, maybe superman is the bad guy