Former President pushes bold economic strategy with global implications

Deal-Maker in the Spotlight

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has long promoted himself as a master dealmaker — from the boardrooms of Manhattan to the political corridors of Washington. Now, with a sweeping new tariff policy, he’s putting that reputation to a real-world test on the global stage.

On Friday, the White House released a photograph of Trump holding a smartphone to his ear, captioned:
“Making calls. Making deals. MAKING AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!”

This slogan is more than just political branding — it’s a signal that Trump sees tariffs not just as economic tools but as proof of American strength and negotiating power.

A Flurry of Tariff Announcements

In a flurry of new measures this week, Trump signed off on a fresh wave of tariffs targeting dozens of U.S. trade partners. While originally planned to take effect on August 1, they will now be implemented from August 7, providing a brief window for last-minute negotiations.

This delay is not unusual. Trump has often walked back or extended tariff deadlines — as seen recently with Mexico, which was granted a 90-day extension. This habit has even sparked ridicule from critics who coined the acronym “TACO” (Trump Always Chickens Out) to suggest inconsistency in his trade strategy.

Analysts Say: Not This Time

Despite the criticism, many analysts believe Trump is serious this time.

“He’s not chickening out,” said Josh Lipsky, an expert at the Atlantic Council. “He’s following through — maybe even going beyond — what he promised during his campaign.”

Matthew Aks, a policy analyst at Evercore ISI, added that aside from countries like Taiwan or India, who might still strike deals, the broader policy looks firm.

Quiet Compromises with Key Allies

Behind the scenes, Trump has struck a number of compromises with major trade partners including the European Union, Japan, and South Korea. These deals include flexible tariff rates and pledges of increased investment in the United States.

However, many of the agreements are vague. Officials have not clarified what these deals mean for automotive, semiconductor, or pharmaceutical sectors — or how these changes might impact relations with China.

“All parties involved have a reason to keep the details unclear,” explained Aks. “This allows everyone to frame the deal in the best light for their domestic audiences.”

Economic Gamble or Strategic Masterstroke?

For Trump, deal-making isn’t just policy — it’s personal branding. At 79 years old, he’s leveraging one of the core pillars of his public identity: the ability to strike bold, high-stakes deals.

Whether these tariff moves prove to be visionary or volatile remains to be seen. But one thing is certain — Trump has once again placed himself at the center of a global economic storm, betting that his instincts at the negotiation table will deliver results for America.