Beset by a drop in his poll numbers and Democrats’ increased odds of reclaiming the House, this week Trump tried to camouflage his trade war, his attacks on Obamacare and his relationship with Russia. He is, though, constitutionally unable to make anything other than half-hearted attempts -- and those will not save the mid-term elections for the Republicans.
Trump Tries Appeasing Farmers, But Still Plans Additional Tariffs
The tariff wars that Trump began and continues to press have caused dismay among his supporters. In an attempt to salvage that situation, Trump resurrected a Depression-era program and announced $12 billion in emergency aid to farmers, who have been badly damaged by China’s retaliatory tariffs.
Unfortunately for Trump, farmers would prefer the sale of their products rather than aid. They fear the permanent loss of foreign markets. Their reactions have been negative, with one farm group running $2.5 million in ads against Trump’s tariffs. Trump’s own Agriculture Secretary admitted that the bailout will not fully compensate for the income producers will lose.
Further, Trump’s largesse does nothing to help other U.S. industries affected by his tariff war, including car and other manufacturing companies. General Motors just cut its financial projections for the year because of the tariff battles.
As additional camouflage, Trump declared a truce with the European Union over a proposal, much like the Obama administration’s, to discuss removing the relatively few trade barriers remaining between the U.S. and the EU. Still, the EU is skeptical of the truce, Trump’s steel and aluminum tariffs against the EU remain in effect and the EU has promised retaliation against U.S. products.
Trump also remains on track to impose an additional $500 billion in tariffs on all products from China. While most U.S. consumers have not felt the effects of tariffs so far, they will certainly notice increased prices on consumer goods.
Trump Rescinds an Obamacare Cut-Back but His Other Healthcare Attacks Continue
The top issue for voters this fall remains healthcare. Trump has been doing everything possible to undermine Obamacare, which is supported by a majority of Americans. Trump is driven by his hatred of Obama and the successful Obamacare program; he does not care what is best for Americans, including his supporters.
In early July Trump eliminated the shared-risk pool for insurers participating in Obamacare. This provided the insurers with protection in case a given insurer receives an above-average number of Obamacare subscribers with serious health issues. After massive industry protest, Trump reversed his decision this past week. His administration then proclaimed that “Alleviating concerns in the market helps to protect consumer choices”, even though the problem was caused by Trump.
Trump still has taken or planned a number of other Obamacare decisions threatening coverage. The sabotage is causing premium increases that outweigh Trump’s tax cuts.
Democrats, of course, are championing healthcare, although they differ on approaches and strategies as always.
Trump Postpones His Next Meeting with Putin but the Russia Investigation Rolls on
After polls showed Americans’ dismay over his Helsinki summit with Putin, Trump postponed his next meeting with Putin from this fall until 2019. Apparently displeased by Trump’s delay, Putin invited Trump to Moscow. Trump immediately indicated he would go, although it’s not clear whether that will be before or after the November elections.
In any case, the Russia investigation is not going away. As Trump and his former attorney Michael Cohen fight in the media, it looks more likely that Cohen will enter a plea deal with Special Counsel Robert Mueller.
On Thursday CNN reported that Cohen will say he attended a conference where Trump approved in advance the now infamous June 2016 meeting of his team members with the Russians to obtain dirt on Hillary Clinton during the campaign. If true, this would be the first public evidence of Trump’s direct collusion with Russian election interference.
Further, Trump organization Chief Financial Officer Allen Weisselberg was subpoenaed to testify before a grand jury. If Trump has received money from Russia, this is likely the man who would know.
Although on Tuesday Trump claimed, without any evidence, that Russia “will be pushing very hard for the Democrats” in the 2018 elections, on Thursday The Daily Beast reported that Russia tried to hack staffers of Democratic Senator Claire McCaskill (D-MO). This is the first known instance of Russian hacking in the 2018 elections.
Trump, of course, told veterans on Tuesday “don't believe the crap you see from these people, the fake news…. Just remember, what you are seeing and what you are reading is not what's happening.”
Trump may believe he can escape the impact of his trade war, his attacks on healthcare and his relationship with Putin on the upcoming election but he is wrong, as he is with so many things.
www.thereviewsalon.com