[DarknessFalls]

Trump said he is open to negotiation on these tariffs. The factor of four difference is likely intentional padding. This way, he can:

1.) Shock the market into dropping several hundred points on the S&P and Nasdaq indices, thereby making quite a bit of money on the way down and then back up again. and

2.) Lower tariffs in exchange for patronage from countries or specific businesses that want a port opened in this new trade firewall.

[Balgair]

Issue is that Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba visited Donny in February already to avoid tariffs and talk security. Ishiba gave him a one of a kind golden samurai helmet even. It was kind of a big deal.

Donny reneged on that.

Other countries know that Donny is not trustworthy when it comes to deals. He will go back on them at any time.

You can't negotiate with a pigeon.

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2025/02/b4067f888d9e-japa...

[pinkytoe]

this is a classic way that kings and other authoritarian leaders demand patronage.

[lostlogin]

A fair few kings also got their heads chopped off due to getting too unpopular with the masses.

I don’t think can attribute the actions of Trump to intelligence or cunning.