The tariff mess is a great example, for if there is one thing that could upset our roaring economy or detract from our record unemployment rate, a growth rate that exceeds anything that the previous administration could produce, and the highest “country is on the right track” rankings in 12 years, it would be a nasty trade war. Yep, nothing can get more people upset faster than reducing their job prospects, raising the prices of the goods they purchase, and (when the inevitable retaliation comes) making the goods they produce more expensive for customers living in other countries. Other than that, high protective tariffs also perpetuate inefficiencies and high prices in many industries that no longer have to worry about competition. Sure, we need to revamp the systems through which international trade is governed and regulated, but President Trump seems to be going about in about the worst way possible. Perhaps he is doing this to get everyone's attention - to establish a negotiating point that will be used to leverage major changes in current practices, but his style has been off-putting.
And here is another great way to boost our industries relative to that of other nations: lower the cost of doing business here. This can be done through wise tax policies, streamlined regulations, and minimal interference with basic business decisions. Europe has very little of those three things, so it might not take much effort to have a major impact on American competiveness.
Those things might not attract as much attention as angry tweets or insulting remarks or political slogans, but they will be far more effective and will do a lot to benefit America’s economy without harming those of other nations, and without getting folks angry. Next time you see the President, pass this advice along to him.