Trump doesn't seem to understand that he is not protecting America by imposing tariffs. Quite the opposite, but more of that later. Tariffs are normally put on goods, not on entire countries. Trump is acting like a Mafia boss going round businesses for "protection money" so that he won't do something worse. Considering the harm already done it's hard to imagine what that might be, but I'm sure Trump will do his best.
To protect something is to preserve or guarantee it, often by legislation. Protectionism is shielding a country's domestic industries from foreign competition by taxing imports, using import tariffs, quotas on imports, or the use of subsidies. Protectionism raises prices on imported goods for consumers so causes inflation. Domestic producers may be better off if consumers buy alternative goods made at home. It may preserve some jobs, but considering what Musks DOGE has done, that seems very unlikely. Many American jobs have already gone. Generally it's a right wing, nationalist, way of doing economics. In Trumps case, he is completely re-writing the playbook & the markets are responding in horror.
China in particular is playing hardball. "Losing face"in China is equal to losing the respect of others, so avoiding this situation ("saving face") is very important in Chinese culture. The Chinese government prides itself on being strong & cannot afford to allow Trump to win this fight, however much it costs them, because it would make them look weak. The imposition of 125% on Chinese goods is frankly ridiculous.
I think I am fairly rational, so I find it impossible to imagine the reasoning, (I use the term loosely in Trumps case), or rationale, that led him to go down this self destructive route. Unless America can find a way to stop him, I think they are doomed & the world will suffer the consequences until he is booted out.
I just hope that can happen before he serves his full term. Wake up America!
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