The Chess Match of the World Stage – “The Sunday Political Brunch” - February 9, 2025
Mark Curtis, MINDSETTER™
The Chess Match of the World Stage – “The Sunday Political Brunch” - February 9, 2025
“Tariff Standoff” – As promised President Donald Trump slapped a 25 percent tariff on goods imported from Mexico and Canada for one week, with the promise to increase it to 50 percent for weeks on end after that. Those two countries then issued their own tariffs on U.S. goods in like amounts. And then the nations’ leaders talked, and a ceasefire was called, holding off on the “tariff war” for 30 days. The leaders of Mexico and Canada promised more aid with border security to stem the flow of deadly fentanyl into the United States. Was this the byproduct of Trump’s “speak loudly and carry a big stick” approach to diplomacy? My gut says yes, but let’s see how this plays out over the next month.
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“Bull in a ‘China’ Shop” – I am not alone among pundits who have referred to Trump as the proverbial “bull in the China shop” in his first term, and also in his second. These two countries cannot afford a voiceless split, because they need stuff from us, and we need stuff from them. We’ll get to what China needs in a moment, but here’s what the U.S. needs: rare earth elements! Rare earth elements are minute, often microscopic compounds, which are critical in making things we need. They include cell phones, precision military guidance systems, and laptop computer technology. Sadly, the U.S. gets 90 percent of its rare elements from China, even though we may have similar, plentiful resources in the U.S. that we’ve yet to mine.
“What the U.S. and China Need” – I mentioned the U.S. needs rare earth minerals. China needs fossil fuels. A trade or tariff war is not going to be easy. In fact, I do not think a trade war will really happen, given what each side needs. Before moving to Florida, I spent ten years as a reporter in West Virginia. Where does China import most of its metallurgical coal, a key ingredient in making steel? West Virginia. And where does China get a good bit of its imported natural gas, and LNG (liquid natural gas)? Again West Virginia! And who is one of Trump’s closest allies in business and politics? That would be Sen. Jim Justice (R) West Virginia, a multi-millionaire coal baron and former two-term governor of the Mountain State. Relationships matter in politics. Trump won’t betray his friend.
“Annihilate Iran” – It’s no secret that Iran is not happy Trump is back in the White House. While not saying it publicly, it is well known in intelligence circles that Tehran would like to see Trump assassinated. Trump told reporters, “If they did that they would be obliterated.” Trump made his remarks while signing an executive order calling for the U.S. government to impose more sanctions on Iran. “I’ve left instructions if they do it, they get obliterated, there won’t be anything left.” If Trump were killed, Vice President JD Vance would become President Vance, but he would be under no legal or constitutional obligation to carry out Trump’s wishes. He could make his case for a moral obligation to respond, and I bet that has shaken the leadership of Iran.
“Annexing Gaza?” – President Trump was full of bold, provocative international statements this past week. "The U.S. will take over the Gaza Strip," Trump said in a White House press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. "We'll own it. We have an opportunity to do something that could be phenomenal. The Riviera of the Middle East." Of course, there are legal and constitutional questions that arise immediately. Can he act alone, or would the Senate have to vote if it were in the form of a treaty? We’ll see. But just like Trump forcing a few nations to stand down on the tariff issue, a number of Arab nations have now come forward to say they will work in concert to solve the Palestinian state issue once and for all, without a U.S. takeover. As I said in my headline, Trump is conducting a number of chess games on the world stage and has forged at least two checkmates so far. Will one happen here?
“Must Measure Musk” – On Monday, a federal court will rule on the Trump administration’s plan to give 60,000 federal workers buyouts to retire now, and already 14,000 workers have signed up. Their positions would not be refilled. It’s all part of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), to streamline government and cut waste. The effort is lead by presidential advisor Elon Musk. This is a made-up position and agency, not approved by Congress, nor was Musk subject to Senate confirmation hearings like Pete Hegseth or Pam Bondi. In fairness, several presidents have used personal advisors in major policy roles, and certainly, just about every first lady held great influence on policy. Still, I think the public, press, and politicos on both sides of aisle need to keep close watch on this. The potential for overreach is there. Congress created and funded many of these jobs and agencies. Shouldn’t it have a say?
“Education Department Gets ‘Body-slammed?’” – There was also key news on the domestic front. The latest item on the chopping block in Washington, DC is the U.S. Department of Education. The fact that President Trump nominated former WWE World Wrestling Entertainment executive Linda McMahon to be the cabinet secretary should send shock waves. McMahon, the estranged wife of professional wrestling patriarch Vince McMahon, Jr., was Secretary of the Small Business Administration, SBA, in the first Trump term. People may chuckle at her pro wrestling background, but she is a legitimate force, a billionaire business success story. Trump, as with many conservatives, has long wanted to eliminate the federal DOE, McMahon may provide the final “body slam” and “pile driver.”
“Trump on Mount Rushmore?” – Okay, let’s not get “out over our skis!” Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R) Florida, has now proposed carving President Trump’s likeness as the fifth U.S. president depicted on Mount Rushmore. She wrote on X, “His remarkable accomplishments for our country and the success he will continue to deliver deserve the highest recognition and honor on this iconic national monument. Let's get carving!” Folks, he’s three weeks into his second term. Presidents Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln, and Teddy Roosevelt were legends. The façade was carved between 1927 and 1941, decades, if not centuries after these presidents served. What they did has “passed the test of time.” Whether you like Trump or not, having served in the White for five years in the past eight, is hardly comparable resume material. Let’s maybe reflect on his accomplishments in 50 years or so. This is sway too premature.