President Trump's trade initiatives, focused on addressing the trade deficit by raising tariffs to match those imposed on the US, have largely been successful. This principle of reciprocity led to negotiations with about 75 countries, including major economies like Japan, the UK, and the EU.
While China responded aggressively, most other nations expressed willingness to negotiate. Canada responded with moderate increases and conciliatory language, despite issues regarding illegal immigration and firearm trafficking from the US. The article argues that the US is in a strong position due to its large trade deficit with countries like China, which cannot compete with the US in catering to other major trading powers.
Critics, including Senator Schiff, have accused Trump of stock market manipulation, lying, and acting irrationally. The article refutes these claims, highlighting that the tariff adjustments have led to negotiations and that the US economic position remains strong. It also dismisses the notion of a run on American bonds as unfounded.
The article concludes that Trump's tariff strategy is a success, with most countries engaging in negotiations, and that the opposition's criticisms are weak and largely driven by partisan animosity. The author predicts that the opposition will retreat, chastened by the results.