RE: I think it's funny when people don't like what he's done

Posted on: April 9, 2025 at 20:01:34 CT

I disagree and find unnecessary the method and chaos he has put in place.

But I also do not think the trade deficit was a big deal (and mostly created by US consumers and companies), and while there were imbalances in tariffs, they were not as completely out of line as Trump made it out to be.

Part of that is a bit personal, because I work in an industry (agriculture) that is a net exporter and requires exports to stay healthy, and it bears the brunt of retaliatory tariffs.

Over the last 20 years, I do think out government has done a good job negotiating trade deals that increase the access of agriculture to different markets around the world, which is a reason I do not see the start of trade wars as needed.

If in 3 years, I see that we are closer to free trade than we are today, I will be happy with that.

If I see we move in a big direction of protectionism, I will be disappointed, mostly because I know the other side will engage in their own protectionism.