The Powers That Be: Daily Trump's Tariff Theater
Feb 5, 2025
Bill Cohan, a financial journalist and Wall Street expert, joins to dissect Trump's tariff strategies against Mexico, Canada, and China. He argues these threats serve more as political theater than genuine economic measures, raising concerns about market volatility. The discussion delves into the inflationary risks and potential harm to U.S. relations with allies. Cohan also highlights the historical context and warns of the negative impacts on domestic manufacturing and everyday consumer prices.
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Tariff Theater
- Trump's tariff threats follow a predictable pattern: threat, market wobble, last-minute talks, deal, and declared victory.
- This performative approach seems more focused on political wins than genuine economic impact.
Performative Politics
- Trump's tariff threats are performative, possibly aiming for political victories rather than clear economic goals.
- No one seems to understand his negotiation strategy, except for a vague idea of rewarding rural voters.
Economic Impact of Tariffs
- Tariffs might raise prices for consumers at stores like Walmart.
- Manufacturing jobs are unlikely to return quickly, even with tariffs, and the long-term effects are uncertain.