When Trump threatened Brazil with punishing tariffs on Wednesday, there was no fancy mathematical equation trotted out this time as justification.
The 50% levy on goods was retribution for a perceived “witch hunt” against his political ally, Jair Bolsanaro, whose supporters attempted a coup two years ago.
This administration is bringing back the law of the jungle to international trade, according to trade expert Kristen Hopewell, and time is running out to salvage the remains of a post-war system of commerce that promoted stability and prosperity across the world.
“Trump is a totally unreliable negotiating partner,” she tells Fortune. “Any deal you strike with the administration is not worth the paper it’s written on.”
His job was never to be a public servant. He was always the senator MBNA. Never forget that he promised the people he represents in a closed door fancy plate fundraiser that “nothing will fundamentally change”.
It’s not about him not doing the job because of ineptitude or incompetence. The people that bankrolled him got everything they paid for.