must beg on bended knee, praising him, giving monetary tribute (directly to him) pallets of cash, bars of gold. Untraceable bonds. Gold shiny things. The art of Europe.

Then, he will reduce your tariff. As each BUSINESS IN THE WORLD pays, prices will go down, he figures. Soon, everyone is paying a "fee" and tariffs are down, all is well. The malignant sociopath is praised around the world, he is the dear leader at last.

my theory.

It might seem easiest, and quickest, at first. But for those that actually earned their place of success in the business world know this. I think this administration is about to go through some stuff if they don't reverse course. One way or another. I don't think that it's just wishful thinking on my part. This administration is filled with wannabe bad asses but I think they are in the FAFO phase.

Its his MO. When running his businesses he initially pays just enough for all the contractors to finish the project. But then stiffed them in the end. So they all had to come groveling to him to get just a portion of what was owed them. He gets away with a huge discount, they take a loss but have just enough to keep going, albeit, tightening their belts.

He wants to do the same to every country, thinking the USA have all the leverage. That clown and his accomplices don't realize they do not have that much leverage. He's trying to bring down China, but, he just insured that the EU, Americas, etc. turns towards them.

Plus, he may set one condition today for a capitulating nation, but whats to stop him from doing it again later and demanding more conditions? We have trade agreements and treaties as an international norm of keeping our word. He just proved it isn't worth anything. Congress will have to take the power to tarrif back or severely limit the amount in the future before they reconsider. Of course, it may be a bit too late, once a new trade framework is set up, its going to be hard to claw back.

Business, colleges, attorneys, etc.

...before the shelves empty!

they're leaving no stone unturned and for good optics smashing some to bits