If Trump were smart, he would ok the use of weapons to make longer range strikes from Ukraine into Russia to hasten a peace agreement between the two. Also he should repair US relationships with our old allies, Europe, Japan, South Korea, Canada. In the past the USA was able to vaunt its alliances as making it stronger. At this point he and the MAGA Republicans are in the process of destroying those alliances, weakening the USA, and making China stronger.
Bessant’s complaint might be “valid in terms of stopping Putin” but it would be more credible if his glorious leader didn’t spend half his time on his knees in front of Putin.
Great article Diane. All of these noted deal-makings highlight the absolute farce that tried to frame Trump as a superior negotiator and strategist. His Bronx-Bully tactics are starting to unravel on the global scene, as individuals, countries and regions become more abhorred by his back-stabbing, narcissistic, dishonest traits. While a number of his 'initiatives' have forced Europe and Canada into finally moving towards their share of costs (U.N., NATO, NORAD?) and responsibilities, a real U.S. leader could have gained just as much, or more, without turning long-time allies into near-antagonists. It's hard to imagine the damage done to the U.S. by Trump and associates being reversed in the near future -- if ever -- but the sooner he is gone from power the sooner the U.S. will be able to start trying to mend global fences.
Great update. Those alliances will keep shifting, regardless mercantilism or free trade theories , because all the key players have political ambitions. Darn.
If Trump were smart, he would ok the use of weapons to make longer range strikes from Ukraine into Russia to hasten a peace agreement between the two. Also he should repair US relationships with our old allies, Europe, Japan, South Korea, Canada. In the past the USA was able to vaunt its alliances as making it stronger. At this point he and the MAGA Republicans are in the process of destroying those alliances, weakening the USA, and making China stronger.
Agreed… except for the use of TRUMP and SMART in the same phrase. I must though acknowledge your use of the word “IF”
Bessant’s complaint might be “valid in terms of stopping Putin” but it would be more credible if his glorious leader didn’t spend half his time on his knees in front of Putin.
Great article Diane. All of these noted deal-makings highlight the absolute farce that tried to frame Trump as a superior negotiator and strategist. His Bronx-Bully tactics are starting to unravel on the global scene, as individuals, countries and regions become more abhorred by his back-stabbing, narcissistic, dishonest traits. While a number of his 'initiatives' have forced Europe and Canada into finally moving towards their share of costs (U.N., NATO, NORAD?) and responsibilities, a real U.S. leader could have gained just as much, or more, without turning long-time allies into near-antagonists. It's hard to imagine the damage done to the U.S. by Trump and associates being reversed in the near future -- if ever -- but the sooner he is gone from power the sooner the U.S. will be able to start trying to mend global fences.
China’s trillion dollar trade surplus is not evidence of merantilism?
Great update. Those alliances will keep shifting, regardless mercantilism or free trade theories , because all the key players have political ambitions. Darn.
USMCA has to be renegotiated this year, 2026, not next year.