Liberal talking heads and Democrats are completely missing the ultimate intentions of the new administration as they pertain to the use of trade tariffs. The greatest misconception is that Trump is trying to rectify the current debt crisis in America by instituting tariffs on our trading partners. The effect of more tariffs by the US are speculative at best. New tariffs are often followed by retaliatory tariffs and higher prices.

Trump’s tariff strategy is to use economics to gain the cooperation of other countries regarding many sensitive issues. Why is this wise? It’s better than going to war with our adversaries. Economic strength is the new nuclear weapon that only the US can implement effectively.

It’s also obvious that Trump is using tariffs as a bludgeon in bilateral and trilateral negotiations with our allies and enemies. It’s highly unlikely that the US will unleash tanks onto Mexico and Canadian soil.

Take Canada. Trump is prepared to sanction Canada for previous trade decisions by our neighbor that have resulted in huge trade deficits. Canada and the US have sanctioned each other on many occasions in the past. They also are negotiating strategies to end illegal immigration into the US and the proliferation of illegal drugs into our country.

Trump’s aggression towards Canada does not include military force. What we want are fair trade agreements and other courtesies like a limitation on drug smuggling.

Consider Iran. This rogue nation supports terrorism throughout the Middle East and is working diligently to develop a nuclear weapon. It gains influence by force and intimidation.

The US has two choices to deal with Iran. One is to launch an all-out multi day attack on Iran to obliterate its military and stop its nuclear programs. This strategy will result in a mini World War III. It would upset the current fragile relationships and order in the region. It could cause Iran’s allies, Russia, China and North Korea to enter the fight, although this is doubtful.

A wiser strategy is to bankrupt Iran and inspire financial and political Armageddon in the country. The US can deprive Iran of cash flow from its oil sales, breakdown political ties with other Arab countries and stir the population of Iran against the ayatollahs.

Why haven’t any past presidents applied this strategy? Instead, they continued to contribute to other countries by establishing NGO’s like US Aid in which most money is used to support nefarious activities or line people’s pockets.

The US must use its economic strength to control other countries who step over the line. It’s a far better plan to sanction misbehaving countries with tariffs then marching into their country with soldiers. It’s pretty clear that Donald Trump is not going to sanction all countries that trade with the US. He’s using the threat of tariffs to get the attention of leaders who are not playing fairly with the US.

Should President Trump act aggressively with both his allies and enemies?

The answer is unquestionably yes. The US is too powerful, too wealthy, too kind and too forgiving. This has fostered many years of bad behavior by both friends and foes.

Mexico is our closest neighbor. For years its government has encouraged migrants from their own country and from places further south to cross the river that separates Mexico from the US. Over time, 20+ million people have entered the US illegally. This group has taken advantage of the free educational system, free medical services, has stretched the resources of border states and has wreaked havoc on the citizens who live in these places. The current and future impact of this demographic will be titanic. These immigrants are creating social, financial and other issues that will last for a whole generation.

Trump has rightly recognized the magnitude of this problem and is taking action to send the worst of the immigrants back to their home countries. Is this xenophobia, or good government? Is it inhumane, or will Trump decrease the strain on our border towns and large urban centers across the country? The answer is obvious. The US cannot accept all people who are living under duress around the globe. The US must legislate a comprehensive program to encourage migration of qualified and law-abiding people. The diversity of our population is a large factor in the successes of our country historically. Trump must demand that potential immigrants follow our laws and rules.

Rogue countries such as Iran and North Korea are challenging the US to a game of chicken. If the US ignores the efforts of these two countries to destabilize their neighbors, the problem is going to grow. During the Biden administration, the US has been unsuccessful in dealing with Iran, which is building nuclear weapons and financing terrorism against Israel, the US and Sunni Arab countries. When Iran has a deliverable nuclear weapon, it will accelerate its nefarious plans to control the Middle East. In partnership with Israel, the US must force Iran to give up its weapon develop plans. If it does not accede to our demand, military action is warranted. Tough talks with Iran should be a precursor to military action.

North Korea is further ahead of Iran in its efforts to build a nuclear capability. The country is governed by a deranged individual who seeks to command the respect of other nations by using its military. Ukraine is the latest victim of North Korea’s deadly plan.

Russia and China are encouraging Iran and North Korea in these despicable activities in the Middle East and Far East. Trump must treat these rogue nations with disdain. This blog has recommended on several occasions that the group of bad actors be punished financially, but, to use military action if our warnings are not heeded.

Trump is seeking to identify wasteful spending by the US. It’s about time. US Aid is one of his first targets. The organization was originally founded by JFK when he was president. Although it’s a bit cloudy, the actual mission of the group was to win accolades from countries around the world that benefited by our generosity. The reputation of the US was and is at stake. The organization has turned into a funding source for politicians as they sought favors from other nations. No one knows how much money has been paid for bogus projects that do nothing for our country. Elon Musk is leading the effort against US Aid. The people who take advantage of US Aid are trying to smear Musk and the president. If the US doesn’t try to shut down wasteful projects, the country will never see another balanced budget.

Ever since the last world war, Europe has taken advantage of the US generosity. The formation of NATO to defend against Soviet and Russian aggression was and is a grand idea. The only problem with the concept is that the US provides most of the funds. Other members refuse to pay their fair share. Trump has been fighting this battle for a long time.

Many countries in Africa receive money for a plethora of projects. Time and again the same nations are critical of the US. The US should stop funding disloyal countries and propose that the United Nations move to another location. The US should not be disrespected by these countries. Trump is going to use the financial strength of the US to threaten these countries. Tariffs may have a certain negative impact on the world’s economy. But I’ll bet Trump will not have to impose these sanctions in most situations. His targets will cave just as Columbia, Mexico in Canada have just a few days into the new administration.

Trump’s aggressive form of diplomacy will be a good thing for our country. The US will be ale to once again be the leader in the world as we search for peace.