What’s everyone’s thoughts on this…
He said it’s about stopping the flow of drugs into our country.
Canada, Mexico
https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/113546215051155542
China
https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/113546215408213585
He may be well-meaning, but I think it’ll backfire. It might’ve worked better 50 years ago, when America still retained much of its domestic manufacturing base and was less dependent on imports for key industries. Thanks to Nixon/Kissinger’s “opening to China” and the flood of Western capital that followed, China has since overtaken the U.S., with twice as much output as America as a % of global output, and can pretty much negotiate from a position of power. China is America’s Frankenstein. Between China, Canada and Mexico, America has a trade deficit with each, and is dependent on each for key components, so Trump isn’t exactly walking in with many aces up his sleeve.
At best, they will ricochet in the form of higher taxes on the consumer. At worst, they’ll result in substantial fractures in the economy - at least that’s how the media will frame it, and they’ve already started. I think Trump is a scapegoat-in-waiting for an economic disaster that’s been long in the making. A market correction is long overdue. The Fed’s policies & policies of erstwhile presidents (including Trump) are all key contributors to the metastasizing economic doom loop. Tariffs constitute a miniscule part of the labyrinth - I think they’ll only supply a smokescreen under which to implode the system while absolving the real culprits of any culpability, in favor of a new kind of system.
what does that actually mean? how much is it going to cost the american tax payer in the end? maybe we would be better off getting rid of these doctors that supply all the drugs to people that don’t actually need them? what about the opium fields in foreign countries that american soldiers were patrolling for the us government, lots of money to be made. it’s a well known fact that a lot of vitamins that people buy in america, some of those ingredients come from china.
Sounds like Trump is trying to put some anxiety into these countries. Maybe putting pressure on them to come to solutions before he takes office. Then maybe he can make a deal. Of course the tariffs would be paid by us and cause inflation to rise - which is not what he wants to happen. And not to mention as we talked ab bf, we need the immigrants to work for us, crops, buildings etc. Trump built buildings - he knows this.
I think Trump ascribes to the “Speak loudly and carry really big stick” philosophy. I belive he would prefer to garner some major geopolitical consesions favoable to his America First agenda without the need to impliment most of these tariffs but i also believe he not bluffing. I think he genuinely belives he is operating in the countries best interest but whether his tactics are sound remains to be seen. All we mear mortals can do is pray that the Lord gives him and his advisors wisdom. God’s will, will be done and we are all just along for the ride
I think if we are ever going to bring manufacturing back to our country, the tariffs need to be in place. Also, a tariff needs to be imposed on the businesses that left our nation high enough to force them back. (Greed drove them away, not small profits) Do these CEO’s really need multimillion dollar salaries? Our money helped in a big way to put China on the map.
Yes, prices will go up, but it is necessary. The worst thing we did was offer cheap imported goods. (Many things we buy today are not even necessary, just wants)
It is a 2-sided coin. People want a $5 shirt or haircut but then groan when they can’t make $25 per hour wage.
It would probably take a generation to turn things around. We need to start somewhere. Also, the majority of the young have never been taught how to work and the drive to work hasn’t been instilled in them. If things keep going the way they are, all the trades will cost the same as neurosurgeons since the scarcity in the field.
Thomas Sowell was one of the best economists. When the government steps in and tries to fix things instead of letting the economy fix itself, we would be better off.
When the government got involved in the housing market, they screwed everything up and the system collapsed by lending money to those, by changing the rules for lending, who couldn’t pay the loans back.
As Louis said, a correction is long overdue. The government tries to avoid it by manipulation, but in the end, it will be far worse than letting nature take its course.
Well-put, and agreed. You make some very pertinent points. Personally, I doubt common sense will prevail, nor will there be a return to anything even remotely close to an actual free market. Not to sound like a pessimist, but that ship has long sailed. But I guess it doesn’t hurt to hope.
As usual, you make some good points Louis.
I’m also curious about a market correction, especially considering what’s being placed before us. Personally, I don’t see “mass deportations” for the reasons @Martha mentioned. If there were though, that would seem like a sure fire way for markets to tank, which I know Trump doesn’t want. He’s proud of stock market performances.
Speaking of, when I look at market charts, you can see the trillions in printed money all over high valuations. Perhaps, this is the new normal… Also, the newer generations invest with apps, so there’s always more money pouring in, not to mention 401ks… But there’s always highs and lows. Right now, it’s parabolic… Same thing with the housing market.
Definitely, then today… Trump threatens 100% tariff on the BRIC bloc of nations if they act to undermine US dollar. I just wonder how much pressure? Most of our manufacturing is overseas. However,
So true. I also know, several years ago, the U.S. had one of the highest corporate tax rates in the world. This also contributed to driving business away. America has been pretty anti-American for sometime as we all know.
I don’t think people realize how true that statement is… In our travels, you wouldn’t believe the amount of self storage we’ve seen. Even in small towns. I told the kids, we should get into the business, all people do is buy junk and then store it. When we went to a small town in Montana, I figured it would be a good place for that. They already had more than I could count. Couldn’t believe it.
I echo your sentiment buddy.
I don’t think it will change either. We are too far down the rabbit hole.
Just think how many high paying factories could be built with the money we spend overseas in one year, putting how many Americans to work.
Quick note…
There are a lot of factories coming back to the United States. The age of robotics has changed the workforce dynamics. It’s tough to be profitable against a global competitor when you have to pay American wages compared to China wages. But with robotics, the playing field becomes a bit more level.
That is so true. When we moved here, we needed a unit till the house was done. There were none to be found, all full. Some were even building more units for the demand. This area is rural of the rural.
Chiming in here, I’m guilty. I made my husband get a storage unit after we sold our home to keep all my favorite stuff (he called it junk). 2 1/2 yrs later, after we did a major renovation here, we went with the movers to get the furniture etc I had kept. It was so odd, because after getting things out, we realized all of the good and expensive items had been stolen. The police report indicated it was an inside job. Lesson learned. And agree, some people are making a lot of money from storage units - the thief’s.
The goods were stolen from storage and you didn’t even know until you opened it up? That’s terrible! So sorry.
Thanks. It’s just life lesson on saving treasures (junk). It was a very large unit The lock was not broken. Things taken were “selected”. I was looking for particular items so it became noticeable. Also beware of storage units. This particular one, which is publicly traded, owns it own ins company. We didn’t know it but were paying a monthly premium on it for 5000 coverage (not nearly enough but helps). We filed a claim but were denied because it wasn’t forced entry, and they don’t cover items missing for “mysterious circumstances”. The police said it happens often and is an inside job. (Master key). So after the expense of keeping all that stuff, paying for 2 1/2 yr, we got a few pieces, my favorite pieces were stolen, and the rest was picked up by goodwill.
That’s terrible!
Own the storage facility and the insurance company. Man, that’s a good scam. Double dippin’. Yep, that’s the ways of the world.
We actually used a storage once. We had to take the camper in for service, so there’s why. You actually get to use your own lock at the place we went, and they don’t get a copy of the key. I tell you what though Martha, after selling all our belongings to do our adventure, I’ll never go back to having all the stuff we had before. Oh, I like stuff, but not that much. 
Matthew 6: 19,20. Treasures in heaven 