Posted on 04/03/2025 4:19:48 AM PDT by RandFan
Donald Trump's politics have shifted considerably over his decades in the public sphere. But one thing he has been consistent on, since the 1980s, is his belief that tariffs are an effective means of boosting the US economy.
Now, he's staking his presidency on his being right.
At his Rose Garden event at the White House, surrounded by friends, conservative politicians and cabinet secretaries, Trump announced sweeping new tariffs on a broad range of countries – allies, competitors and adversaries alike.
In a speech that was equal parts celebration and self-congratulation, regularly punctuated by applause from the crowd, the president recalled his longtime support of tariffs, as well as his early criticism of free trade agreements like Nafta and the World Trade Organization.
The president acknowledged that he will face pushback in the coming days from "globalists" and "special interests", but he urged Americans to trust his instincts.
"Never forget, every prediction our opponents made about trade for the last 30 years has been proven totally wrong," he said.
(Excerpt) Read more at bbc.co.uk ...
We already have tariffs. They’re just being applied against us by other countries.
Trump doesn’t drink or gamble. He does however use leverage and finds it where others don’t or cannot see it even when it’s right in front of them.
I worry when I hear the messaging about short term pain. Perceptions of what is short term can vary and a lot of Americans feel like they got their bellies full of pain over the last four years of Biden which is a big reason why they voted for DJT, for relief. If the benefits of this do not start to emerge in a timely manner, as in before the midterms, the voters who are persuadable may jump ship. It also would help inspire more confidence if people on our side would present a
robust defense of this policy instead of all the tepid soundbites I’m hearing out there right now.
Bookmark.
It will come down to “it’s the economy, stupid”. If Americans don’t believe they are better off financially in the Fall of 2026, Republicans will pay a political price.
True and my fear is it takes time to build an expensive new factory, or expensive new offshore oil/gas platform.
For the type capital investments required, investors need to believe the foreseeable future is favorable to realize a return on investment.
All the deregulation and tarrifs won't matter if investors fear by the time a new factory, or platform is ready to go online that a new administration will come in and change all the rules again.
Tariffs are an historically proven method of revenue collection. Its not a new experimental theory. 🙄
Bigger gamble than possible jail for made up charges?
Bigger than the gamble of getting shot? Oh.....yes, they already did that.
B BS
Re: 7 - yes, I believe you’re correct.
With futures down another 1200 points this morning, it’s going to be an interesting day.
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