According to one source with knowledge of the exchange, Trump specifically asked Cohn: We’re all on the same team, right? He then asked if Cohn was going to support the president on the issue.

Cohn didn’t answer, the people said.

A source familiar with Cohn’s thinking disputed that Trump demanded loyalty on tariffs in the meeting or asked Cohn to change his mind.

This person also said that Cohn even agreed with Trump on the need for a tougher stance on China, but that any metals tariffs that also hit Canada, Mexico and the European Union seemed counterproductive. Still, Cohn is prepared to stay until the end of the month to help Trump pick his new economic adviser, this person said.