Andrew Neil's article in the Daily Mail Online analyzes the first 100 days of Donald Trump's second term, highlighting the disastrous consequences of his trade policies, particularly the punitive tariffs imposed on Chinese imports. This has led major retailers to warn of price hikes and shortages, directly impacting Trump's core voter base.
The article points to a decline in Trump's approval rating, falling far below his predecessors. The author attributes this to the economic turmoil stemming from Trump's trade war with China. This includes a declining dollar, a falling stock market index (S&P 500), and diminished consumer and business confidence, raising concerns of a potential recession. The precarious US fiscal position, worsened by Trump's policies, further exacerbates the situation.
Beyond economic issues, the article depicts a chaotic White House. Trump's administration is characterized by a large number of executive orders, creating a sense of disorganization and dysfunction. Conflicts and infighting are highlighted with examples such as the shouting match between Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Elon Musk and the chaos within the Defence Department under Pete Hegseth.
The article concludes that Trump's second term is marked by chaos both economically and politically. The author presents two possible scenarios for the remainder of Trump’s presidency: doubling down on current policies or attempting to reverse the damage, neither of which holds an optimistic outlook for the US or its allies.