US President for Life hopeful Donald Trump recently announced tariffs on 20 countries starting on August 1st (CBSNews). These include South Korea, the Philippines, Malaysia and Japan; US allies. There was also an announcement to charge 30% tariffs on trade with the EU and Mexico.

Trump has made a habit of isolating the US with his rhetoric and unilateral presidential decrees (4dforum) aimed at our alliances. He has also made it apparent he wishes to interfere with Ukraine’s defense against Russian President for Life Vlad Putin‘s forces (4dforum). The tariffs will certainly hamper the EU’s efforts to support Ukraine. Mexico’s war against the Cartels will be affected similarly (Council on Foreign Relations). Cartels are the fentanyl link between China and the US (BBC).

Coincidentally, or not, the first release of 2nd quarter GDP results is scheduled for July 30, 2025 (Bureau of Economic Analysis). The tariffs coupled with numbers that show a continuation of the current contraction could cause economic panic. If anyone important says the word “recession” Trump’s owners will get what they have been seeking since Ronald Reagan.

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