I’ve said enough critically these last few days about the Trump Administration, so I’ll just call your attention, without commentary, to the fact that the President is going to permit NVIDIA to sell advanced AI chips to China that are more powerful than anything China
Sorry have completely disagree with adding BYU. No. They decades ago got the special treatment by NCAA that was not deserved. So, no. They didn’t win their conference. They have 2 losses. Got crushed in their conference championship game. So nope. Only correct that they did not get included. ND does have a case. :-)
When our problems are self-inflicted due to bad policy, solutions come pretty quickly with good policy. We saw that in Trump's first term in economics, and have seen what a difference simply following the law instead of breaking it makes in immigration in his second term. So what's the difference in economics? In his second term he's mainly replaced one (a bazillion?) bad policie(s) with one of his own-tariffs. As for the other things, he remains and always will be, Donald Trump. Don't forget that in his first term, boasting mostly good policy results and a good economy and before January 6, he lost to a candidate who hid in the basement and let the election be (as most with a sitting President are) a referendum on him. I have no doubt it would happen that way again. He's wearing people out even quicker this time without the tradeoff of a good economy. Echoing his predecessor's "strategy" of lecturing the electorate on how great a bad economy is? Once again, he is who he is.
Trump is on the cusp of real tragedy in respect of Ukraine. He will be condemned by history. And yes the Europeans have to do more, but Trump wants capitulation by Ukraine. History and genuine Western values mean nothing apparently to Trump.
His tariff policy is ever more unsustainable, economically punishing.
And as for "health care", if Republicans don't believe in public health care or providing financial support for those too "poor" to afford it, they just say it. And stop trying to do the impossible - believing that affordable insurance for the "poor" can ever be provided without massive public support via borrowing and taxation - leading inevitably to fully single payer system.
As a Senate leadership staffer in the early 90s, I was involved in the first intramural debate among Senate Republicans over health care reform, in this instance, in response to the emerging "HillaryCare." There were two bills: a "Hillary-lite" version offered by the late John Chafee (R-RI) and a conservative, free-market proposal by Sens. Don Nickles (R-OK) and Orrin Hatch (R-UT). The latter won 25 cosponsors. But the division, and opposition from Health Insurance providers and the usual voices on The Left won out. The Nickles-Hatch bill remains the ideal model for the GOP to rally around, with some tweaks, if they'd only get smart and do so. It's consistent with Trump's outline, as vague as that is. More here: https://kellyjohnston.substack.com/p/go-ahead-gop-take-on-the-health-care
For once, I have not much to say today in response to Erick's post, but I do see a common thread in the comments: so many of you MAGAs keep asking the same questions: "Who has Trump's ear." "Why is Trump listening to his advisors?" Why isn't Trump listening to Erick?"
In other words, you act as if Trump is some brilliant (perhaps devine or at least devinely chosen) human who is just receiving bad advice, rather than the what is actually happening: you are worshipping a corrupt conman and criminal who has surrounded himself with exactly the people one would expect: unqualified lackeys, hangers-on, and yes-men/women who have absolutely no justification for their positions other than nepotism and patronage. The video below explains it decently well.
Ok, Dan, I took the bait and watched the video. The un-introduced speakers coined the term ‘moronochracy’ then repeated it over and over for 2.5 minutes or so, calling various members of the Trump’s staff ‘morons’ and stating that many republicans agree. No names, no data, no Barri Weiss level thoughtfulness, just opinions stated that those in blue bubbles will always applaud, over and over. Plus, it’s from ‘The Daily Beast’ the Breitbart of the left. So, if you’re trying to move the needle, bring better ammo. This video will change no minds.
PD, I am actually going to agree with you about the video (not about Bari Weiss). It had no facts, no cohesive argument, and no thoughtfulness. In fact, it was exactly like listening to Trump himself, minus the provable lies. I thought, perhaps, that MAGA might relate to the same form of persuasion it finds so compelling when it comes directly from their Orange Jesus.
At this stage, I am under no illusions about the MAGA/GOP. Evidence, reason, logic and truth aren't going to change minds. The only thing that may change some minds is personally experiencing the effects of Trump's idiocy.
Well, actually, Trump needs to do much better in making his ideas make sense, if he can. Erick’s criticism is useful, if Trump would only use it. His staff should read his column, learn from it, and respond to it with persuasive technical explanations, for those who could follow it. I am waiting for those explanations -data supported indicators, specifically about tariffs. So far, it’s not forthcoming.
Am I missing something, why can’t they put the money that they are pouring into the Unaffordable Care Act and put it into Medicaid and Medicare. Just eliminate the Obamacare altogether.🤷♀️
Not sure of the number, but the ACA covers something like 24 million people currently. What is your suggestion for them if the ACA was simply "terminated"? While I am not a fan of another bloated, poorly run, entitlement program, I do recognize how many people are covered under the plan. While MAGA loves to say "well just go out and get a job with benefits" we are living in a time when companies are laying off people, and reducing benefits. It is a complicated issue for sure, but I don't believe the solution is to "terminate" the program without an alternative offered up.
I was working when I turned 65 and my employer/insurance coverage was terminated because I was now eligible for Medicare. Medicare monthly premium was $175 back then and will soon be $205; which is less than what employer insurance was but won't cover as much.
I totally understand what you are saying. What did these 24 million people do before Obamacare? They could always incentivize corporations to offer health insurance and help the smaller companies with the costs. It just seems like there are better ways than pouring good money after bad. Thank you.
Thank you for writing the only column that lets us see through the smoke screen that lies over the Washington swamp! Reading today’s edition, I am undecided, whether to weep or to pull my hair out! Keep up the good work!
The full ACA must be repealed! on another note, I must say that Donald Trump is becoming irrelevant like any other lame duck but in addition he is becoming as demented as Joe Biden. He has no clue what he is doing other than running his mouth. The Democrat body will take over the house and Senate in the 2026 elections and that will set the stage for them winning the 2028 presidential election. Donald Trump is the problem. In my mind, the only viable candidate for the Republicans in the 2028 presidential election is Marco.
The Trump sellout to China at the demand of the Tech Plutocrats is the most damaging policy decision by a president in recent memory. (Biden triggering & allowing 22% inflation in 4 years after 40 years with negligible inflation was worse short-term, but manageable in a longer timeframe.) Had Biden or Obama done this the GOP would have talked impeachment.
It actually started when Xi threatened cutting off rare earths to the US (and who knows what other threats he made: cutting off US pharmaceuticals? Calling US bluff with China blockade of Taiwan?). Trump folded like a card table because any of those would have cratered the stock market that the top 25% in wealth (and I) rely on for our affluence.
Then Trump said he'll let China send 600,000 China-loyal communists to our universities. (And they won't be majoring in Queer Theory.)
Now the capitulation is nearly complete. Selling out Taiwan's freedom to China on an empty Xi promise not to cut off US access to Taiwan Semiconductor would be the final capitulation.
Hilariously, this is just as the GOP is calling for more defense spending to protect us from the very Chinese military we just promised some of our highest tech to. ("But no: our Commerce Dept won't allow that!" 🤣🤣🤣)
What to do? Vance and Rubio should resign. Senate filibusters blocking Trump's pet issues. Congressional hearings on the capitulation. Roll call votes on the sellout. Discharge petitions if House leaders block same. MAGA Trump backers man- and woman-up and denounce this Trump sellout of US national and economic security on behalf of the global plutocrats.
We are left with about 4 highly important policies where Trump has been a 1-man, epic tour de force saving America, where others in the GOP had been endlessly weak:
Immigration control, blocking transanity, ending discrimination, and truly beating up on the Democrat Media.
The question is: Is that enough?
The first three are essential to America's survival. But lifting China up further, towards parity and within reach of supremacy, after our Uniparty Elites sold Blue Collar/non-college Americans out to China for the last 40 years, is pretty damn damaging to our children's future.
My kids are more important than sucking up to Trump. Are yours, Dear Readers?
I am just happy focusing on me and my family. I have a good life. I have money, a beautiful home, my children are well and successful-- I could go on and on and I don't know what I have done to deserve all of this. My friends say, "Teresa, you have worked your ass off." Ok so I have. Yesterday, I spent time at the bedside of a dying woman. I just met her in the spring. She was going to pet sit my little Cavalier while I traipsed off to Ireland. Alas, my little Gracie died of old age and my friend came down with a return of cancer in her breast which had metastised. I feel like I had known her my entire life. I held her hand, anointed her with Holy Water from our Lady of Knock shrine and she told me how much she loved me and how she could not wait to have a new body. If she lives a few more days I will spend the night with her in her Buckhead condo. I soaked into my nostrils the smell of death, just to remind me. I purposely let that smell linger there. She receives round the clock care and lies in a hospital bed. Ponder. Merry Christmas. Happy New Year.
And left unmentioned was Ukraine. Why is Trump allowing Putin to play him time and again on this? Trump is a brilliant negotiator, but he is dragging his feet on this one.
And you expect our current congressional Republicans to suddenly stand up to Trump? Good luck with that. As they have proven in the past, they will sell out their own country rather than cross their Dear Leader.
Like you, I grew up in another country. One dominated by Chinese who were there, carrying out the objectives of the CCP with their guns. A relationship with them is foolish.
I like so many others here hope there is something else going on, because this deal of giving China these chips seems not just foolish but outright dumb. His detractors think he's dumb, but Trump is anything but stupid. I really hope this is "3D chess" and not relying on some compromised talking head that has his ear.
More lack of class and decorum with nothing constructive to add. Oh, and before you go all more insults, I’m neither Republican or MAGA but I do believe in the greatness of the US Constitution and the USofA.
According to a missionary we know, in some African nations the word "crap" is considered a dirty curseword, and the word "shit" is acceptable parlance. Go figure!
I’m confused, the graph Erick noted showing US importers still paying for the tariffs references payments made from January 2022 thru September 2025, and the payments appear to remain totally unchanged during that time frame. Erick infers that US importers are suffering under Trump’s tariffs, yet they’ve been making the exact same payments since Sept 2022 under Biden. In other words, zero payments have increased since Trump took office, they’ve remained the same since 2022. Further, Trump and Bessent consistently state that the tariff payments won’t ease lower until 2026 when Trump’s beautiful bill policies take effect. So it appears Erick is bloating the tariff issue and leaving out some important details? Maybe I’m missing something? Or maybe Erick is?
Yet Trump and Bessent have said repeatedly the tariff benefits won’t hit the economy until the Big Beautiful Bill takes effect in 2026. Do you all not remember that? Trump said “it will hurt for a little while” until 2026. So yes, complain that your business and consumers are suffering right now, but he told you this would happen until next year..: Meanwhile, consumers just spent the most money ever in the history of Black Friday purchases, both in quantities and costs. They bought the most stuff ever. So who’s hurting again??
Confusion is what Trump depends on when he talks about the "Benefits" of tariffs. ONLY the Importer of Record (the Buyer of the Goods) pays US Customs money (cash) for the goods they import from a foreign country. The importer of record (IOR) can either "eat the expense" or increase its price to its customers as a Price Increase to the product it sells domestically. That customer - wholesaler, distributor or retailer has a choice - to either eat the extra expense" or pass it along as a price increase to its customers - YOU the consumer. So, the tariff is a TAX on the Consumer or Business. Taxes can only be levied by Congress, not the President of the USA, hence the Supreme Court is going to determine if this blanket wide tariff on ALL Nations that we trade goods with is, or is not given to the Executive Branch (Presidential Powers). The Constitution is very clear on this issue and Trump is on the wrong side of this initiative. I like most of Trump's policies, but this tariff issue is not helping America, it's hurting our economy and our international relationships.
What the graph shows is that nothing has changed, the importer continues to pay the tariff, and in tern passes it to companies like mine. Trump made the claim (that many of us knew would never happen) that foreign governments would pay the tariffs in order to continue to do business with the US. This has not, and will not happen. As I have said from the beginning, tariffs are a tax on the US consumer. Yes, there is some absorption through the process, but the vast majority of the burden falls on the consumer, us. I work with many major brand owners, and all of them have (quietly as they don't want the wrath of the un-informed) passed the tariffs along, they have no choice.
Sorry, you are forgetting a few if companies eat it. The cost of benefits now goes up, less contributed to 401K's, less money towards R&D, less money toward general maintenance, smaller YE bonuses, reduced OI. And the list goes on, and on, and on!!! Yet some still defend the policy.
You are correct. I just did not take time to list all the other components of companies having to “eat” tariffs. My company has experienced all on your list. Trump will be “eating it” in the midterms if he does not change course, and in a hurry.
Can somebody please remind me WHY we bypassed DeSantis in the primaries?? He consistently performs as governor the way I want my president to perform. We're all frickin' idiots.
Despite being popular in FL, DeSantis wasn't good on the stump, and he lacked national appeal. His campaign staff wasn't ready for prime time. That said, I think he would make a fabulous SECDEF . . . or is it SECWAR?
If his staff were smart, they'd go back and review every recorded speech Reagan gave, then tell DeSantis to memorize them and have that information on instant recall. I've been getting some of his (Reagan's) speeches on my FB feed and he's very compelling even today. He had such an astounding grip on conservative principles, and the realities of why liberal policies never work.
My mind is Swiss cheese these days, but I don't believe Desantis even made the primaries here in Georgia. Either way, the result was the same, and that's a shame. We seem to put the emphasis on all the wrong "qualities" in politics. I have long said that Abraham Lincoln would be unelectable today simply based on his looks.
I thought everyone saw the memo, "My way or the Highway". I'm still a conservative I just don't identify as a Republican anymore. No more money maybe that will get their attention.
Sorry have completely disagree with adding BYU. No. They decades ago got the special treatment by NCAA that was not deserved. So, no. They didn’t win their conference. They have 2 losses. Got crushed in their conference championship game. So nope. Only correct that they did not get included. ND does have a case. :-)
When our problems are self-inflicted due to bad policy, solutions come pretty quickly with good policy. We saw that in Trump's first term in economics, and have seen what a difference simply following the law instead of breaking it makes in immigration in his second term. So what's the difference in economics? In his second term he's mainly replaced one (a bazillion?) bad policie(s) with one of his own-tariffs. As for the other things, he remains and always will be, Donald Trump. Don't forget that in his first term, boasting mostly good policy results and a good economy and before January 6, he lost to a candidate who hid in the basement and let the election be (as most with a sitting President are) a referendum on him. I have no doubt it would happen that way again. He's wearing people out even quicker this time without the tradeoff of a good economy. Echoing his predecessor's "strategy" of lecturing the electorate on how great a bad economy is? Once again, he is who he is.
Trump is on the cusp of real tragedy in respect of Ukraine. He will be condemned by history. And yes the Europeans have to do more, but Trump wants capitulation by Ukraine. History and genuine Western values mean nothing apparently to Trump.
His tariff policy is ever more unsustainable, economically punishing.
And as for "health care", if Republicans don't believe in public health care or providing financial support for those too "poor" to afford it, they just say it. And stop trying to do the impossible - believing that affordable insurance for the "poor" can ever be provided without massive public support via borrowing and taxation - leading inevitably to fully single payer system.
Time for intellectual honesty.
Intellectual honesty? From Congress? Them's fightin' words, boy!
As a Senate leadership staffer in the early 90s, I was involved in the first intramural debate among Senate Republicans over health care reform, in this instance, in response to the emerging "HillaryCare." There were two bills: a "Hillary-lite" version offered by the late John Chafee (R-RI) and a conservative, free-market proposal by Sens. Don Nickles (R-OK) and Orrin Hatch (R-UT). The latter won 25 cosponsors. But the division, and opposition from Health Insurance providers and the usual voices on The Left won out. The Nickles-Hatch bill remains the ideal model for the GOP to rally around, with some tweaks, if they'd only get smart and do so. It's consistent with Trump's outline, as vague as that is. More here: https://kellyjohnston.substack.com/p/go-ahead-gop-take-on-the-health-care
For once, I have not much to say today in response to Erick's post, but I do see a common thread in the comments: so many of you MAGAs keep asking the same questions: "Who has Trump's ear." "Why is Trump listening to his advisors?" Why isn't Trump listening to Erick?"
In other words, you act as if Trump is some brilliant (perhaps devine or at least devinely chosen) human who is just receiving bad advice, rather than the what is actually happening: you are worshipping a corrupt conman and criminal who has surrounded himself with exactly the people one would expect: unqualified lackeys, hangers-on, and yes-men/women who have absolutely no justification for their positions other than nepotism and patronage. The video below explains it decently well.
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DR7Y0LDjxrN/
Ok, Dan, I took the bait and watched the video. The un-introduced speakers coined the term ‘moronochracy’ then repeated it over and over for 2.5 minutes or so, calling various members of the Trump’s staff ‘morons’ and stating that many republicans agree. No names, no data, no Barri Weiss level thoughtfulness, just opinions stated that those in blue bubbles will always applaud, over and over. Plus, it’s from ‘The Daily Beast’ the Breitbart of the left. So, if you’re trying to move the needle, bring better ammo. This video will change no minds.
PD, I am actually going to agree with you about the video (not about Bari Weiss). It had no facts, no cohesive argument, and no thoughtfulness. In fact, it was exactly like listening to Trump himself, minus the provable lies. I thought, perhaps, that MAGA might relate to the same form of persuasion it finds so compelling when it comes directly from their Orange Jesus.
At this stage, I am under no illusions about the MAGA/GOP. Evidence, reason, logic and truth aren't going to change minds. The only thing that may change some minds is personally experiencing the effects of Trump's idiocy.
Well, actually, Trump needs to do much better in making his ideas make sense, if he can. Erick’s criticism is useful, if Trump would only use it. His staff should read his column, learn from it, and respond to it with persuasive technical explanations, for those who could follow it. I am waiting for those explanations -data supported indicators, specifically about tariffs. So far, it’s not forthcoming.
https://tenor.com/view/vizzini-princess-bride-getgoing-unbelievable-gif-25960909
Not the exact meme I wanted but maybe you’ll get it.
Am I missing something, why can’t they put the money that they are pouring into the Unaffordable Care Act and put it into Medicaid and Medicare. Just eliminate the Obamacare altogether.🤷♀️
Not sure of the number, but the ACA covers something like 24 million people currently. What is your suggestion for them if the ACA was simply "terminated"? While I am not a fan of another bloated, poorly run, entitlement program, I do recognize how many people are covered under the plan. While MAGA loves to say "well just go out and get a job with benefits" we are living in a time when companies are laying off people, and reducing benefits. It is a complicated issue for sure, but I don't believe the solution is to "terminate" the program without an alternative offered up.
I was working when I turned 65 and my employer/insurance coverage was terminated because I was now eligible for Medicare. Medicare monthly premium was $175 back then and will soon be $205; which is less than what employer insurance was but won't cover as much.
I totally understand what you are saying. What did these 24 million people do before Obamacare? They could always incentivize corporations to offer health insurance and help the smaller companies with the costs. It just seems like there are better ways than pouring good money after bad. Thank you.
Thank you for writing the only column that lets us see through the smoke screen that lies over the Washington swamp! Reading today’s edition, I am undecided, whether to weep or to pull my hair out! Keep up the good work!
The full ACA must be repealed! on another note, I must say that Donald Trump is becoming irrelevant like any other lame duck but in addition he is becoming as demented as Joe Biden. He has no clue what he is doing other than running his mouth. The Democrat body will take over the house and Senate in the 2026 elections and that will set the stage for them winning the 2028 presidential election. Donald Trump is the problem. In my mind, the only viable candidate for the Republicans in the 2028 presidential election is Marco.
DeSantis
The Trump sellout to China at the demand of the Tech Plutocrats is the most damaging policy decision by a president in recent memory. (Biden triggering & allowing 22% inflation in 4 years after 40 years with negligible inflation was worse short-term, but manageable in a longer timeframe.) Had Biden or Obama done this the GOP would have talked impeachment.
It actually started when Xi threatened cutting off rare earths to the US (and who knows what other threats he made: cutting off US pharmaceuticals? Calling US bluff with China blockade of Taiwan?). Trump folded like a card table because any of those would have cratered the stock market that the top 25% in wealth (and I) rely on for our affluence.
Then Trump said he'll let China send 600,000 China-loyal communists to our universities. (And they won't be majoring in Queer Theory.)
Now the capitulation is nearly complete. Selling out Taiwan's freedom to China on an empty Xi promise not to cut off US access to Taiwan Semiconductor would be the final capitulation.
Hilariously, this is just as the GOP is calling for more defense spending to protect us from the very Chinese military we just promised some of our highest tech to. ("But no: our Commerce Dept won't allow that!" 🤣🤣🤣)
What to do? Vance and Rubio should resign. Senate filibusters blocking Trump's pet issues. Congressional hearings on the capitulation. Roll call votes on the sellout. Discharge petitions if House leaders block same. MAGA Trump backers man- and woman-up and denounce this Trump sellout of US national and economic security on behalf of the global plutocrats.
We are left with about 4 highly important policies where Trump has been a 1-man, epic tour de force saving America, where others in the GOP had been endlessly weak:
Immigration control, blocking transanity, ending discrimination, and truly beating up on the Democrat Media.
The question is: Is that enough?
The first three are essential to America's survival. But lifting China up further, towards parity and within reach of supremacy, after our Uniparty Elites sold Blue Collar/non-college Americans out to China for the last 40 years, is pretty damn damaging to our children's future.
My kids are more important than sucking up to Trump. Are yours, Dear Readers?
I am just happy focusing on me and my family. I have a good life. I have money, a beautiful home, my children are well and successful-- I could go on and on and I don't know what I have done to deserve all of this. My friends say, "Teresa, you have worked your ass off." Ok so I have. Yesterday, I spent time at the bedside of a dying woman. I just met her in the spring. She was going to pet sit my little Cavalier while I traipsed off to Ireland. Alas, my little Gracie died of old age and my friend came down with a return of cancer in her breast which had metastised. I feel like I had known her my entire life. I held her hand, anointed her with Holy Water from our Lady of Knock shrine and she told me how much she loved me and how she could not wait to have a new body. If she lives a few more days I will spend the night with her in her Buckhead condo. I soaked into my nostrils the smell of death, just to remind me. I purposely let that smell linger there. She receives round the clock care and lies in a hospital bed. Ponder. Merry Christmas. Happy New Year.
And left unmentioned was Ukraine. Why is Trump allowing Putin to play him time and again on this? Trump is a brilliant negotiator, but he is dragging his feet on this one.
Erick left out the fact that the US government must first approve the Chinese customer that’s receiving the NVIDIA chip…
And you expect our current congressional Republicans to suddenly stand up to Trump? Good luck with that. As they have proven in the past, they will sell out their own country rather than cross their Dear Leader.
My BP is up. Especially related to China.
Like you, I grew up in another country. One dominated by Chinese who were there, carrying out the objectives of the CCP with their guns. A relationship with them is foolish.
I like so many others here hope there is something else going on, because this deal of giving China these chips seems not just foolish but outright dumb. His detractors think he's dumb, but Trump is anything but stupid. I really hope this is "3D chess" and not relying on some compromised talking head that has his ear.
Hope is not a strategy. Impeachment is a strategy.
I LOVE you MAGAs, defending your Orange Jesus no matter the evidence!
More lack of class and decorum with nothing constructive to add. Oh, and before you go all more insults, I’m neither Republican or MAGA but I do believe in the greatness of the US Constitution and the USofA.
Is saying cr__ better than saying sh__?
Inquiring minds want to know. (If you remember this phrase, you are as old as me.)
According to a missionary we know, in some African nations the word "crap" is considered a dirty curseword, and the word "shit" is acceptable parlance. Go figure!
I’m confused, the graph Erick noted showing US importers still paying for the tariffs references payments made from January 2022 thru September 2025, and the payments appear to remain totally unchanged during that time frame. Erick infers that US importers are suffering under Trump’s tariffs, yet they’ve been making the exact same payments since Sept 2022 under Biden. In other words, zero payments have increased since Trump took office, they’ve remained the same since 2022. Further, Trump and Bessent consistently state that the tariff payments won’t ease lower until 2026 when Trump’s beautiful bill policies take effect. So it appears Erick is bloating the tariff issue and leaving out some important details? Maybe I’m missing something? Or maybe Erick is?
Yet Trump and Bessent have said repeatedly the tariff benefits won’t hit the economy until the Big Beautiful Bill takes effect in 2026. Do you all not remember that? Trump said “it will hurt for a little while” until 2026. So yes, complain that your business and consumers are suffering right now, but he told you this would happen until next year..: Meanwhile, consumers just spent the most money ever in the history of Black Friday purchases, both in quantities and costs. They bought the most stuff ever. So who’s hurting again??
Confusion is what Trump depends on when he talks about the "Benefits" of tariffs. ONLY the Importer of Record (the Buyer of the Goods) pays US Customs money (cash) for the goods they import from a foreign country. The importer of record (IOR) can either "eat the expense" or increase its price to its customers as a Price Increase to the product it sells domestically. That customer - wholesaler, distributor or retailer has a choice - to either eat the extra expense" or pass it along as a price increase to its customers - YOU the consumer. So, the tariff is a TAX on the Consumer or Business. Taxes can only be levied by Congress, not the President of the USA, hence the Supreme Court is going to determine if this blanket wide tariff on ALL Nations that we trade goods with is, or is not given to the Executive Branch (Presidential Powers). The Constitution is very clear on this issue and Trump is on the wrong side of this initiative. I like most of Trump's policies, but this tariff issue is not helping America, it's hurting our economy and our international relationships.
My company is paying 15% more in tariffs than last year on all goods received from its European suppliers. So, yes, you are missing something.
What the graph shows is that nothing has changed, the importer continues to pay the tariff, and in tern passes it to companies like mine. Trump made the claim (that many of us knew would never happen) that foreign governments would pay the tariffs in order to continue to do business with the US. This has not, and will not happen. As I have said from the beginning, tariffs are a tax on the US consumer. Yes, there is some absorption through the process, but the vast majority of the burden falls on the consumer, us. I work with many major brand owners, and all of them have (quietly as they don't want the wrath of the un-informed) passed the tariffs along, they have no choice.
Indeed. They either pass it on or lay people off.
Dosen‘t matter what they do We the people always pay in the end and they Don’t care it’s all about them
Sorry, you are forgetting a few if companies eat it. The cost of benefits now goes up, less contributed to 401K's, less money towards R&D, less money toward general maintenance, smaller YE bonuses, reduced OI. And the list goes on, and on, and on!!! Yet some still defend the policy.
You are correct. I just did not take time to list all the other components of companies having to “eat” tariffs. My company has experienced all on your list. Trump will be “eating it” in the midterms if he does not change course, and in a hurry.
Can somebody please remind me WHY we bypassed DeSantis in the primaries?? He consistently performs as governor the way I want my president to perform. We're all frickin' idiots.
Despite being popular in FL, DeSantis wasn't good on the stump, and he lacked national appeal. His campaign staff wasn't ready for prime time. That said, I think he would make a fabulous SECDEF . . . or is it SECWAR?
If his staff were smart, they'd go back and review every recorded speech Reagan gave, then tell DeSantis to memorize them and have that information on instant recall. I've been getting some of his (Reagan's) speeches on my FB feed and he's very compelling even today. He had such an astounding grip on conservative principles, and the realities of why liberal policies never work.
He was my pick. Still is.
My mind is Swiss cheese these days, but I don't believe Desantis even made the primaries here in Georgia. Either way, the result was the same, and that's a shame. We seem to put the emphasis on all the wrong "qualities" in politics. I have long said that Abraham Lincoln would be unelectable today simply based on his looks.
Only the MAGAs are “frickin’ idiots.”
I thought everyone saw the memo, "My way or the Highway". I'm still a conservative I just don't identify as a Republican anymore. No more money maybe that will get their attention.