Trump doesn't really believe in the tariffs, that they'll do anything one way or another. They are simply the readiest instruments which demonstrate his power, and the daily reminder to all and sundry that he is the king, Mad King Ludwig II of Bavaria reincarnate.
Trump says he’s not even looking at stock market, tariffs will make U.S. ‘very strong’
So long, Trump bump: Tech stocks wipe out last of post-election gains
... Bartiromo interjected: “That’s not clarity.” ...
... Canada and Mexico are best understood as the baby in the
playpen [whom Trump pelted with stones when he was five or six]. Trump himself re-negotiated a trade agreement with both in his
first term. Have they violated that deal? No. Have they refused to
cooperate on fentanyl and illegal migrants? No. Has Mexico reduced the
pressure on the Southern border to almost nothing. Dramatically. Is
there anything they can or could do to please Trump? No. The point
is the abuse. And like all abusers, Trump constantly shifts what he is
demanding, gaslights, threatens, charms, attacks … so that you begin to
realize there is nothing you can do except wait for his mood to change.
Welcome to monarchy. ...