I suspect that on April 2, Trump will double down on tariffs, employing his signature tactic of demanding the impossible before settling for the extremely difficult. He has made it clear to many nations that he expects a better deal for America, but what he may not have accounted for is the growing unity among global powers determined to resist his trade policies and simply wait out his time in office. However, I believe his tariff plans will result in a swift and terrible disaster for him. The world has already endured immense economic strain due to the pandemic, and the personal financial situation of many individuals remains precarious. Businesses, both large and small, have struggled to adapt to challenging conditions, and further economic hardship, especially after years of slow growth this could push the global economy into recession or even depression.
As Trump enforces his hardline tariff policies, the American public will feel the consequences firsthand, facing rising prices on essential goods. Many of the very voters who supported Trump in hopes of reducing costs such as those frustrated by the high price of eggs will be the first to voice their outrage when they see the cost of food and other daily necessities skyrocket. The economic strain could erode his support, making it harder for him to rally voters behind his broader agenda. A key element of Trump’s strategy is to project an image of aggressively pursuing his "Make America Great Again" agenda, not only to rally his base but also to pressure Congress into legislative changes that could open a path for a third term, ultimately serving as a shield against legal consequences. If this fails, his contingency plan appears to be positioning either Vance or Don Jr. as a successor, ensuring a pardon and continued protection from prosecution. But if his tariffs backfire and plunge the economy into crisis, he may find himself without the political leverage he needs to secure his own future.
As Trump enforces his hardline tariff policies, the American public will feel the consequences firsthand, facing rising prices on essential goods. Many of the very voters who supported Trump in hopes of reducing costs such as those frustrated by the high price of eggs will be the first to voice their outrage when they see the cost of food and other daily necessities skyrocket. The economic strain could erode his support, making it harder for him to rally voters behind his broader agenda. A key element of Trump’s strategy is to project an image of aggressively pursuing his "Make America Great Again" agenda, not only to rally his base but also to pressure Congress into legislative changes that could open a path for a third term, ultimately serving as a shield against legal consequences. If this fails, his contingency plan appears to be positioning either Vance or Don Jr. as a successor, ensuring a pardon and continued protection from prosecution. But if his tariffs backfire and plunge the economy into crisis, he may find himself without the political leverage he needs to secure his own future.
