Trump’s Economic Strategy, Not So 'Tariffic' Afterall

Take a breath, the sky is not falling. Although for many citizens, it may certainly feel as if their world has been turned upside down. The tenor and tone of President Trump’s tariff negotiation tactics, much like his approach to most all U.S. policy concerns, is setting off alarms across the political spectrum and particularly among global business leaders.

The volatility in global financial markets over the past week has been historic. Huge daily swings between the lows and highs, and a relentless daily net loss of market value has characterized the world’s response to President Trump’s unwavering stance on imposing tariffs. Markets, represented by investors, businesses, and real people with retirement accounts, do not favor  uncertainty, or directives without due process.

Not feeling bullish on Tariffs? You're not alone.

It seems that in Trump’s dogged approach to tariffs, he and his Administration are banking on the capitulation of those nations that they have imposed tariffs on. As for now, only a couple of countries, South Korea and Japan, appear to have any interest in negotiating with the Trump Administration. China, in contrast, is doubling down, ratcheting up counter tariffs, foretelling a coming trade war with the U.S. And as of today, the EU is also playing a steady hand of tariff chess.

The majority of U.S. citizens and consumers, comprised of small and medium businesses and hard-working people, do not agree with the Trump Administration’s egoic approach and divisive tactics attempting to balance global trade. There does not appear to be, at least the Administration has not yet disclosed, a more nuanced economic strategy underlying the self-initiated tariff tizzy. Suffice it to say, there is much to be desired by way of the Trump Administration’s approach to diplomacy, economic strategy, national security, and governing. Simply put, this moment that American’s and the world is party to is not so ‘tariffic’ afterall.

Is America Growing Up in Real-Time?

In the past, U.S. Presidents and their Administrations provided the American people and global allies with context and understanding, and a democratic and diplomatic approach to how they made executive decisions. In doing so, at a minimum, past Presidents attempted to provide a baseline level of transparency and accountability for their decisions. Granted, there are numerous examples of exceptions to this. But something feels fundamentally different and far askew with the Trump Administration in compared to prior U.S. Administrations. Despite what's being said by the President, an underlying care and concern for everyday Americans seems to be lacking.

The “trust me, I know what is good for you,” and “I am the only one that can negotiate a deal,” demagogue-like rhetoric is wearing thin among Americans, and rings to the demeanor and logic of a charlatan. Governing the U.S. and representing the U.S. as a leader of the free world is not a reality show for television. It is the ultimate responsibility that requires principled, dignified, and resolute leadership, day in and day out. It is clear however that this Administration does not want to govern over what was America, rather, they only want to command and control their myopic view of their future into the global reality series.    

President Trump’s authoritarian style is not just distasteful, it is outright dangerous, and markedly un-American. Historically, many Americans were taught to value and respect their President, no matter what party was in power. Americans used to come together, in times of challenge and in times of prosperity, united together. President Trump's style of leadership is polarizing and creates uncertainty. Even Trump supporters who staunchly believed that this type of personality is be necessary to "drain the swamp," and dissolve longstanding institutional barriers and weed out corruption and waste, are feeling concerned. There is fragility to any and every government, democracy, economy, and world order. In recent weeks, the public has begun to sense the fragility of power systems in ways they have perhaps taken for granted for many Presidential terms and cycles.

It is true that foreign nations view the U.S. with a certain amount of disdain and distrust. Former U.S. Presidents and American citizens have been viewed as arrogant, unsophisticated, selfish, unhealthy, and curt. That said, the U.S. and American citizens have a much deeper sense of culture, dignity, faith, and purpose than the cartoon like caricatures that other nations and people place on us. But can we blame them for their mockery? When we have leaders representing our values and interests that continuously ridicule others, and exemplify narcissistic behavior and gaslit messages such as “we know best, and are the best,” “we are better than them,” or “we will win at all costs,” well, it becomes quite challenging not to have the rest of the world think of us as power hungry greedy imbeciles.  

Governing a country is fundamentally different than leading a business.

It does not take a rocket scientist to know that governing a country is not the same as running a business (or does it?). Yet, in his second term as U.S. President, Trump appears headstrong and determined to “win, win, win,” at any cost, even if that means short-term sharp declines in the financial markets or the lingering threat of global economic recession. Everything is at stake right now – personal freedoms, financial independence, our children’s futures, the active protection and conservation of the natural world, our safety and security – our prosperity.

America is Much More than its Mouthpiece

So here we are, watching the reality show – wincing as if witnessing a bad accident – waiting for any signal or sign of principled and logical reasoning, and wanting to feel free of anxiety, fear, and hatred. Rest assured, passiveness in this time of conflict is viewed as weakness. A record-breaking day of financial rebound on Wall Street does not erase the egregious abuses that are continuously being dished out.

The outlandish behavior of one person is defining the fate and freedom of all Americans, if not that of citizens around the world. Yet, Americans deserve to be seen, heard, and understood for who we are – human.

Just like everyone else, we are flawed, yet we learn from our faults. We are beautiful, despite our scars. We value faith, freedom, and the pursuit of prosperity. When we are misrepresented or mischaracterized, we will take a stand to correct the wrongs of others. When we are wrong, we will admit our mistakes and grow, as painful as it may be. And when we are wronged by others, we will work to move beyond blame and impasse with dignity, principled leadership, and resolve toward peace.   

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When the sky feels like its falling, be the beacon of hope that others need.