
Trump’s latest Truth Social rant is among the more unhinged of both of his presidencies. It showcases grand mal psychological instability as well as a mind suffering peak megalomania while demonstrating rank stupidity. The original Dunning Kruger starting point.
For example, neither sane nor savvy is to send out this mentally disoriented message into the teeth of a financial market downturn. But who is there in the administration – a collection of incompetent conspiracy operatives – to stop him? The markets were down sharply this morning already prior to his announcement. We’ll see how they end the day – no predicting market players who may be so confused that they signal they like Trump’s thinking . . . Go figure.
In any event, here’s his maximally deranged rant, a rant of many levels and promising many catastrophes, all based on utter tariff stupidity and unearned bravado, and incredibly brazen threats to “absorb” Canada as out “cherished” 51st state:
“Based on Ontario, Canada, placing a 25% Tariff on “Electricity” coming into the United States, I have instructed my Secretary of Commerce to add an ADDITIONAL 25% Tariff, to 50%, on all STEEL and ALUMINUM COMING INTO THE UNITED STATES FROM CANADA, ONE OF THE HIGHEST TARIFFING NATIONS ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD. This will go into effect TOMORROW MORNING, March 12th.
Also, Canada must immediately drop their Anti-American Farmer Tariff of 250% to 390% on various U.S. dairy products, which has long been considered outrageous.
I will shortly be declaring a National Emergency on Electricity within the threatened area. This will allow the U.S to quickly do what has to be done to alleviate this abusive threat from Canada.
If other egregious, long time Tariffs are not likewise dropped by Canada, I will substantially increase, on April 2nd, the Tariffs on Cars coming into the U.S. which will, essentially, permanently shut down the automobile manufacturing business in Canada. Those cars can easily be made in the USA! Also, Canada pays very little for National Security, relying on the United States for military protection. We are subsidizing Canada to the tune of more than 200 Billion Dollars a year. WHY???
This cannot continue. The only thing that makes sense is for Canada to become our cherished Fifty First State. This would make all Tariffs, and everything else, totally disappear. Canadians taxes will be very substantially reduced, they will be more secure, militarily and otherwise, than ever before, there would no longer be a Northern Border problem, and the greatest and most powerful nation in the World will be bigger, better and stronger than ever — And Canada will be a big part of that. The artificial line of separation drawn many years ago will finally disappear, and we will have the safest and most beautiful Nation anywhere in the World — And your brilliant anthem, “O Canada,” will continue to play, but now representing a GREAT and POWERFUL STATE within the greatest Nation that the World has ever seen!”
We’ll wait and see about today’s financial markets’ results, but realistically, I expect continuing losses throughout the day, unless traders are struck dumb. . . and daft.
Later on I’ll have a look at the other unhinged ideas and threats he introduced in his Truth Social post. . .
He has gone far beyond the bend with this one, even more than his other completely batshit rants. God help us if he’s taken seriously.