Why would the world leader of a country with the greatest economy levy devastating and across-the-broad tariffs on the developed countries of the world, including longtime allies? Most economists agree that the tariffs are essentially a tax on the country’s lower and middle classes and could reignite inflation.

The cost of consumer goods and durable equipment will likely rise. The proposition that companies will react and build new factories in the U.S. must acknowledge the reality that will take many years, if not a decade, and if companies can survive the financial hardship now imposed on them. Not to mention if there is a ready, skilled workforce in this country to allow this to happen.

Alternatively, one can believe that this president, who has been documented in many books and articles as a narcissistic and vengeful person, may be using his assumed power to manipulate the U.S. and world markets to his advantage. In two days after the tariffs were announced, on April 2, the financial stock markets have lost at least 10% of their value. The only investments that gained in value these two days was cryptocurrencies.

The president, his family and his DOGE partner are big advocates of cryptocurrency. Perhaps this is a coincidence? Will these damaging tariffs remain longterm, and what tariffs will other countries impose of us? The American public are the losers in this market. Are we heading for a recession and a bear stock market due to these tariffs?

Steve Mischissin
Camden