Summary
Trump had to reverse his aggressive tariff rhetoric after CEOs from Walmart, Target, and Home Depot warned of empty shelves and higher prices due to supply chain disruptions.
Investors reacted negatively to his threats against Fed Chair Jerome Powell, prompting a market sell-off.
Trump backtracked, expressing optimism on a China trade deal and now denying plans to fire Powell.
Global markets remain volatile, and the IMF cited Trump’s trade war as a “major negative shock” to global growth.
I almost wish 1984 was the reality, but it’s a horrible mix of 1984 and Brave New World. Rather than just being oppressed due to fear of your comrades turning you in, like 1984, we also get people happily ignoring everything bad to get their fix of the fixed slice of the world presented to them.
If it was just 1984, at least I’d have hope that enough people could see the problem, rise up against the problem, and not have to contend with the contented masses that just want the status quo.