Published on: Thu, 23 Apr 2026 19:52:50 GMT
Original Story: Iran war: What’s happening on day 55 after Trump extended ceasefire? – Al Jazeera

Tariffs? We Hardly Know ‘Em, Says Trump.

Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we’re diving headfirst into the swirling vortex of economic policy, or, more accurately, whatever passes for it these days. Al Jazeera’s reporting on the ongoing tensions with Iran (day 55, folks, we’re counting!) invariably leads back to that favorite tool of the ex-President: the tariff. And it’s brought up a rather inconvenient truth: Trump’s relationship with tariffs is about as consistent as my attempts at a sourdough starter.

The Tariff Tango: A History of “Maybe”

Remember back in 2018, when Trump was slapping tariffs on everything that moved, especially steel and aluminum? Yeah, good times. He swore up and down it was about national security, protecting American jobs, and making other countries bend to our will. He even tweeted about how “Tariffs are great!” (I know, I know, I shuddered too). The supposed logic? Foreign countries would cave, we’d rake in billions, and America would be great again, again.

Flashback: 2018 – Tariff Man Cometh (and Goeth?)

Fast forward to now, and suddenly, tariffs are just another tool in the toolbox? A negotiation tactic? A… well, who knows what they are. What’s clear is, the effect of these tariffs has been… less than stellar. The Tax Foundation estimates that Trump’s tariffs reduced long-run GDP and wages. Many American businesses ended up paying more for raw materials, which, surprise surprise, got passed onto the consumer. So much for winning big, right?

Iran, Tariffs, and the Art of the Deal (or Not)

So, how does Iran fit into this tariff-laden narrative? Well, if Trump gets back into office, the immediate assumption is that he’d crank up the economic pressure on Iran *again*. More sanctions, more tariffs, the whole nine yards. The goal, presumably, would be to force Iran back to the negotiating table, or, you know, just generally make life unpleasant for them. And what better way to do that than by wielding the mighty tariff stick?

Here’s the problem, though: the world has learned (or at least *should* have learned) that Trump’s economic strategies are, shall we say, “unpredictable.” Remember when he threatened to impose tariffs on Mexico to force them to crack down on immigration? Or when he seemingly randomly threatened tariffs on European cars? There’s a pattern there, and it’s not one of strategic genius. It’s more like a toddler smashing blocks together and hoping something cool happens.

The Global Jigsaw Puzzle

And let’s not forget that tariffs have a nasty habit of… backfiring. When you slap tariffs on a country, they tend to retaliate. And that can lead to trade wars, which, as we all know, are great for absolutely nobody except maybe consultants who specialize in helping companies navigate trade wars. Meanwhile, the American consumer gets stuck with the bill, as usual. Thanks, guys.

Déjà Vu All Over Again

The real kicker is that Trump, even *during* his presidency, contradicted himself on tariffs. One minute they were the greatest thing since sliced bread, the next they were a temporary measure to be used sparingly. It’s like he was making it up as he went along, which, let’s be honest, is a distinct possibility. To add insult to injury, these tariffs often targeted allies more than adversaries, leading to strained relationships and global trade disruptions that benefitted absolutely no one. Remember the trade war with China? Yep. Tariff-tastic.

Are We Ready for Round Two?

So, as we watch the situation with Iran unfold, we can’t help but wonder: will tariffs be back on the menu? Will Trump double down on his protectionist policies, or will he suddenly decide that free trade is the way to go? Honestly, your guess is as good as mine. The only certainty is that whatever happens will be… interesting. And by “interesting,” I mean potentially economically disastrous and politically chaotic. But hey, at least it’ll give us something to write about, right?

Snarky Takeaway

So, here’s the tea: prepare yourselves for more tariff-related shenanigans. And remember, when it comes to Trump and tariffs, consistency is overrated. Just sit back, grab some popcorn, and watch the economic fireworks. Just try not to choke on your overpriced, tariff-inflated snacks.