President Trump Donald John TrumpUS reimposes UN sanctions on Iran amid increasing tensions Jeff Flake: Republicans 'should hold the same position' on SCOTUS vacancy as 2016 Trump supporters chant 'Fill that seat' at North Carolina rally MORE has reportedly harshly criticized Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross Wilbur Louis RossTrump 'very happy' to allow TikTok to operate in US if security concerns resolved TikTok, WeChat to be banned Sunday from US app stores The Hill's Morning Report - Sponsored by National Industries for the Blind - Trump seeks to flip 'Rage' narrative; Dems block COVID-19 bill MORE during a series of Oval Office meetings and has humiliated him in front of his colleagues.

Axios reported that about six months into Trump's time in office, he went after Ross in several meetings.

During the meetings, the president told Ross he doesn't have a good understanding of trade, according to the news outlet.

ADVERTISEMENT

“These trade deals, they’re terrible,” Trump said, a source who was in the room for one of the meetings told Axios. “Your understanding of trade is terrible. Your deals are no good. No good.”

Trump has also reportedly talked about Ross's intelligence and competence in front his colleagues and has expressed disappointment with Ross's dealings with the Chinese.

Trump also said Ross had "lost his step," according to an Axios source.

According to the report, Ross has also fallen asleep in meetings. A former senior administration official told Axios that Ross is "good until about 11 a.m."

Principal deputy White House press secretary Raj Shah said in a statement to Axios that Ross is "leading the administration’s approach on steel, aluminum, intellectual property and trade."

"Far from souring on his performance, since taking office, the President has expanded his responsibilities," he said.

Chief economic adviser Gary Cohn also pushed back, telling the news outlet that Ross "remains an important member of the president's economic team."

"Particularly as we work to advance the president's commitment to free, fair and reciprocal trade."