Published on: Fri, 15 May 2026 05:20:19 GMT
Original Story: Trump leaves China after talks dominated by trade, oil and Taiwan – CNBC

Trump Hearts Tariffs (Again): Déjà Vu, Anyone?

So, here we are again. Donald Trump, fresh off the plane from China after talks reportedly “dominated” (CNBC’s words, not mine, though I concur) by trade, oil, and Taiwan, is probably already drafting tweets about how tariffs are the answer to all our economic woes. Because, you know, nothing says “economic prosperity” like artificially inflating the cost of goods for the average American. Except maybe NFTs. But I digress.

Remember the Good Ol’ Days of 2018?

Let’s take a quick trip down memory lane, shall we? Back in 2018, Trump was all about slapping tariffs on everything from steel to aluminum. The justification? National security, of course! Because apparently, a strong economy hinges on the ability to produce enough steel to build… what, exactly? More walls? Anyway, he swore up and down that these tariffs would bring back manufacturing jobs and Make America Great Again™ (patent pending, probably). What actually happened? Well, American consumers and businesses ended up footing the bill. Supply chains got royally screwed. And the global economy collectively rolled its eyes.

But Wait, There’s More! The Great Soybean Debacle

Oh, and let’s not forget the soybean debacle. Remember when China retaliated against Trump’s tariffs by slapping their own tariffs on American soybeans? American farmers, who overwhelmingly voted for Trump, suddenly found themselves with mountains of unsold soybeans. Good times. Good times for everyone except, you know, the people who actually grow our food. But hey, at least Trump got to look tough on Twitter.

The Inconvenient Truth: Trump Used to Hate Tariffs… Sort Of

Now, here’s the kicker. Before he became the Tariff King, Trump actually had some not-so-nice things to say about tariffs. In 2012, for instance, he tweeted (yes, the ancient form of communication) that tariffs were “a disaster” and would lead to “massive retaliation” and “higher prices.” He even went so far as to say that tariffs were “a tax on consumers.” So, what changed? Did he suddenly have an epiphany while watching a late-night infomercial about the benefits of protectionism? Or did someone finally explain to him (in terms even he could understand) that tariffs can be used as a political weapon, even if they are, in reality, economically unsound? The world may never know.

Taiwan: The Elephant in the Room (That Might Get Tariffed)

And then there’s Taiwan. This trip to China, where Taiwan was “discussed”, sets the stage for potential future tariffs. China views Taiwan as a renegade province, and any perceived support for Taiwanese independence from the US is likely to be met with… you guessed it… retaliatory tariffs. So, buckle up, folks. It’s going to be a bumpy ride. Especially if you happen to be in the market for a new iPhone, which, let’s be honest, probably 90% of you are.

Oil: Because Even Dictators Need Gas Money

The other big topic was oil. Because let’s face it, even dictators need gas money. Trump’s cozy relationship with Saudi Arabia is well-documented, and this trip to China suggests he’s looking to diversify his oil alliances. The potential consequences of this for the global energy market and, you know, the whole “climate change” thing, are… concerning, to say the least. But hey, at least gas prices might go down a few cents a gallon. Small victories, right?

The Art of the Deal (Or Justwinging It)

Let’s be honest, Trump’s trade policy has always been more about posturing and making headlines than about actual economic strategy. It’s the “Art of the Deal” as interpreted by a toddler with a crayon and a penchant for chaos. He seems to think that international trade is a zero-sum game, where one country’s gain is necessarily another country’s loss. Which is, of course, complete and utter nonsense. But hey, who needs facts when you have gut feelings and a Twitter account?

Snarky Takeaway

So, what’s the takeaway from all of this? Well, prepare for more tariffs. Prepare for more economic uncertainty. And prepare for Trump to take credit for any positive economic developments, while blaming everyone else for the negative ones. It’s the Trump Doctrine in action: a mix of bluster, ignorance, and a healthy dose of economic populism. And remember that time in 2012 when he called tariffs a ‘disaster’? Yeah, me too. He probably doesn’t. It’s all just so predictable, isn’t it? Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to go invest in some canned goods and a fallout shelter. Just in case.