Economics

 

Again, my portfolio took a loss.  Perhaps an April 27, 2025 article titled Bracing for a Self Inflicted Economic Storm found  in the New York Times provides an explanation for my economic loss.  The article in question had to do with the economy , tariffs and stock markets facing disruptions from the White House with the  potentially dire consequences.

In the article, the writer wrote that a president's interest is to ensure that the economy and the stock market are strong.  Generally speaking, that has been the case.  Is this president interested in a strong economy for all or for himself , family and the billionaires ?  Since he's a narcissist and motivated for accruing power and money,  his primary tendency is  not  for the welfare of all. In fact, he despises and hates the poor .They are unworthy, lazy  and need to be exploited.

Tariffs, especially the trade war with China, attacking the Fed chair Jerome H.  Paul,  weakening important governmental agencies , defunding and attacking universities , disregarding judicial rulings all affect the US dollar and Treasury  bonds.  It's statistically clear that damage is being done to the United States as well as countries around the world because  these policies and actions are self-inflicted by Trump and his cronies.

The  negative economic  effects pertaining to tariffs are related and affect  the price of oil.  According to the Peterson Institute for International Economics “ When we have oil price disruption negatively that leads to recessions,.”Former US Treasury Secretary Larry Summers stated that with recessions and inflation, a shock of this magnitude is something every government, especially the United States, is trying to resist.  it's hard to imagine being something that anyone would willingly embrace."  I agree, especially when we have a rational and humanistic leader in the White House.

Stagflation, a combination of high inflation and slow growth, are related to  Trump’s inept tariff policy.  The International Monetary Fund “Trumps initiated tariffs would slow economic growth around the world as well as the United States. Tariffs are really attacks on consumers. “ In fact, these tariffs are going to increase the price for the average household and  there would be around  770,000 fewer jobs.  With fewer jobs and fewer massive container ships plummeted to about a third this past month coming into the United States ports like the Port of Los Angeles..This becomes supply chain disruptions

For example, it takes 20 to 40 days for container ships to travel across the Pacific Ocean and then another one to 10 days for Chinese goods to make their way by train or truck to various cities around the country.  Already, the purchase of heavy trucks have fallen sharply, suggesting the companies in the logistics industry expect to be moving fewer goods.  On top of that, Trump said,”Well maybe the children will have two dolls instead of 30,you know?” Words from an evil felon . ...

The quid pro quo president claims that the countries around the world are engaging in negotiations and that trade talks have been satisfactory.  Initially, China reported that there had been no talks between the two countries.  However, recently the 90 day pause related to China has resulted in positive increases in the Dow Jones.

US bonds had  been steady yet the markets are in a quandary because the president is breaking with decisions and decades of tradition, economic teaching  with his uncertainty and flip-flopping.  However, tariffs with specificity to protect national security make sense.  However, imposing high tariffs indiscriminately all over the world is unwise and stupid  Furthermore, CEOs and others have warned the president that the tariff policies hurt them significantly.  They can't plan and they're worried about receiving shipments of goods and supplies .

It was pointed out that within a presidential election  cycle  and  victory, it's better to have that recession early in that first year because then there's time for recovery.  However, even if Trump were to abandon all tariffs, which  at the moment there is no sign of that happening, the economic and social problems he has already introduced will not vanish . Unfortunately, the terrible US policies and trade diplomacy add to the uncertainty and planning of businesses, investors , workers and everyday people all over the world.

Factually, Trump ,his family and a select few have benefited greatly economically during these hundred plus days of his presidency because of his self interest ,control and power motives    To illustrate, Trump has created a mechanism for Americans and foreigners to send him financial tributes.  Before his inauguration, Trump announced two new crypto coins which effectively allow investors to funnel money anonymously to Trump and his family. This has been paired with  the scheme for a pullback of crypto regulation . He also  rescinded a Biden administration policy that barred executive branch employees from accepting major gifts from lobbyists and has purged officials across the government's job  to uncover malfeasance.  Everyone knows the story of the $400 million gift from an Arab dictator. . .

  According to the Constitution, this is his last presidency, however, who knows.  He's near 80 years of age, poor health and obvious cognitive slippage , easily distracted , not coherent and has difficulty making complete sentences with any depth.  With that being said, questions regarding motivation pertaining to his economic policies are as follows:: 1.  Is this narcissistic out of control authoritarian motivated by profit, cruelty and/or stupidity ?  During  his life span he  has pursued power, money and with greed has gone  bankrupt six times, received financial  bailouts from his father for his  inept casino dealings and has exploited others in the process. 2..  Because of his character, his self interest is not going to change . We can expect more financial chaos from him with his deplorable policies ..

Realistically, his neurotic pursuit of power, possession, status has been on display for much of his adult life.  His current power of the presidency is obviously more dangerou this time  as he's insulated himself with loyal, obedient subjects and with help from the Supreme Court.,provides him being  well insulated from any terrible political or economic consequences for now.