Beyond the Headlines: ‘Liberation Day’ and the business of politics

LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) - Liberation Day: They do it to us, we do it to them. President Trump’s new sweeping reciprocal tariff plan blurs the lines between business and policy. Because when business becomes policy, politics becomes business. Or, so it feels like.

Yet, that might have been the president’s goal all along. After all, if there’s one thing the New York real estate developer has always been known for, it’s a simple lesson from the boardroom: it’s never personal—it’s just business.

A Bold Move on Trade

It started this past Wednesday. President Donald Trump announced reciprocal tariffs on imports from over 90 countries.

Notably missing from the list? Two of the United States’ biggest trading partners: Canada and Mexico. Both were spared in this round of tariffs.

In the immediate fallout, global markets plunged, countries around the world unveiled plans for economic retaliation, and critics sounded alarms over rising prices and potential recession risks.

Despite the fierce reaction, President Trump’s allies see it differently.

Short-Term Pain for Long-Term Gain

Some administration officials insist the old days are over.

“The key is for these countries to understand that they’ve been exploiting the great American economy,” said Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick.“It’s like they were living in our house—borrowing our car, going into the refrigerator, and grabbing a bite to eat. Now President Trump has said, ‘Come on, the free riding is over. Let’s make things fair.‘”

A roundtable discussion: Trump, tariffs, and trade

Congressman Henry Cuellar and Laredo Motor Carrier Association Chairman Jerry Maldonado also weighed in on the president’s move. Some see the signs of a shrewd political play, while others point to warning lights that signal real, possibly irreversible trouble.

So, which is it?

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