Published on: Thu, 12 Mar 2026 23:56:33 GMT
Original Story: ‘We don’t know what’s going on or why we’re doing this’: how Trump’s Iran gamble backfired – The Spectator

Tariffs: Because Trump Learned Nothing From…Trump.

So, Donald Trump, fresh off…well, let’s just call it a mixed bag of a presidency, is apparently itching to relive the glory days. Or, more accurately, relive the days when he unilaterally decided to play economic hardball, this time brandishing the trusty (and thoroughly debunked) weapon of tariffs. Because, you know, nothing screams “economic genius” like repeating mistakes you’ve already made. Sources indicate the current tariff targets are all across the board, including China, again, because apparently we didn’t learn our lesson the first time.

Déjà Vu All Over Again (and Again)

It seems like just yesterday (okay, it was 2018-2020) when we were all glued to our screens, watching Trump’s tariff war with China unfold like a slow-motion train wreck. Remember all the promises of bringing back manufacturing jobs and making China pay? Yeah, about that… Instead, American consumers and businesses got stuck with the bill, supply chains were thrown into chaos, and the global economy wobbled precariously. But hey, at least it made for good headlines, right?

Now, he’s threatening to crank up the tariff machine once more, seemingly oblivious to the fact that economists (you know, those annoying people who study this stuff for a living) have repeatedly pointed out the downsides. But who needs expert advice when you have gut feelings and a Twitter account?

The “Iran Gamble” – A Case Study in Unintended Consequences

The Spectator’s article, “‘We don’t know what’s going on or why we’re doing this’: how Trump’s Iran gamble backfired,” while ostensibly about Iran, actually highlights the core issue with Trump’s approach to… well, pretty much everything: impulsive decision-making with zero regard for long-term consequences. The Iran deal withdrawal in 2018, justified by lofty rhetoric about “the worst deal ever negotiated,” ultimately achieved precisely the opposite of its intended goal. It freed Iran from the constraints of the agreement, emboldened hardliners, and brought them that much closer to developing nuclear weapons. Sound familiar? Tariffs are the economic equivalent of that Iran deal withdrawal – a blunt instrument wielded with reckless abandon, likely to blow up in our faces.

But Wait, There’s More! (Economic Pain, That Is)

Let’s not forget the potential for retaliatory tariffs from other countries. After all, nobody likes being slapped with import taxes, and they’re likely to respond in kind. This could lead to a full-blown trade war, with everyone losing out. Businesses will struggle to compete, consumers will pay higher prices, and the global economy will suffer. It’s a classic example of cutting off your nose to spite your face. And if that doesn’t sound like a Trumpian economic strategy, I don’t know what does.

Remember the Steel and Aluminum Tariffs? Good Times! (Not.)

Let’s take a quick trip down memory lane, shall we? Remember the steel and aluminum tariffs imposed in 2018? The ones that were supposed to revitalize the American steel industry? Well, a few steel companies saw a temporary boost, but the overall effect was negative. Manufacturing companies that relied on imported steel and aluminum saw their costs skyrocket, making them less competitive. And guess who ultimately footed the bill? You guessed it: American consumers. History doesn’t repeat, but it often rhymes, and these new proposed tariffs are singing the same tune.

The Contradiction Is Strong With This One

Here’s the kicker: Back in 2016, during his campaign, Trump railed against trade deals like NAFTA, arguing that they were “killing” American jobs. He promised to renegotiate them to bring jobs back to the US. And he did, eventually signing the USMCA. But the underlying premise was that free trade was bad. Fast forward to now, and he’s proposing tariffs, which are essentially taxes on imports, to… wait for it… protect American jobs! So, which is it, Donald? Is trade good or bad? Are we supposed to embrace protectionism or free trade? The answer, as always, seems to depend on whatever sounds good at the moment.

In 2017, he even tweeted about how “trade wars are good, and easy to win.” This statement has aged about as well as milk left out in the sun. The reality is that trade wars are messy, complicated, and almost always end up hurting everyone involved. But hey, who needs facts when you have a catchy slogan?

Snarky Takeaway

So, buckle up, folks. It looks like we’re in for another round of economic uncertainty, courtesy of the guy who apparently believes that the best way to fix a problem is to make it worse. Because if there’s one thing Donald Trump is consistent about, it’s his inconsistency. And his love of tariffs, no matter how disastrous they’ve proven to be in the past. Get ready to pay more for everything, and try not to think too hard about the long-term consequences. After all, what could possibly go wrong?