US Debt Default=Global Depression=WW3.
If Trump was trying to destroy US foreign policy what would he do differently?
Like you may know my substack is free. I also give away my ebooks for free. If you could share my substack with interested friends/colleagues/family I would be thankful.
I also do
another substack
you might idk want to pregame your next coup.
Here, have some free books. I’m trying to keep you from killing each other.
WHY CHINA CANNOT INVADE TAIWAN
Quizmaster Point of Law: Contract Law
Quizmaster Property Law Digital Flash Cards
Civil Procedure
Chinese Vocabulary Builder
Now that the horrorshow has gotten rid of the weak willed unwilling to see an ugly war through to its obvious conclusion here’s The Buried Lede.
The Trump Tariff Trap: A Recipe for Economic Disaster
Imagine a scenario where the person in charge of your finances has a history of bankrupting businesses and defaulting on debts. That person is now in control of the US economy. This is the reality we face with Trump at the helm.
Trump's tariffs are a perfect example of his flawed economic strategy. They punish efficient industries and create a system where trade is tied to territory, making wars over market share and resources a real possibility. This approach is not only bad for the economy, but it also puts the US at risk of defaulting on its national debt.
A History of Bankruptcy
Trump has a long history of borrowing money, failing to repay it, and going bankrupt. He has done this with his personal and corporate debts, so why would he not do the same with the US national debt? The US has never defaulted on its bond debt, which is why its bond rates are the lowest among great powers. This allows the US to borrow massive amounts of capital because it always repays its debts.
A Dangerous Game
Trump's goal seems to be to build a national economy and end the global economy. He thinks the US can exit the global economy and drag other economic actors along with it. But this ignores the fact that China and Europe each have a GDP similar to the US. As long as they have access to raw materials and markets, they will continue to thrive without the US.
The Consequences of Trump's Actions
If Trump continues down this path, it could lead to a divestment from US bonds, causing the US to default on its debt. This would end US global hegemony and reduce the US to a continental power. It's a scenario that's hard to imagine, but it's a real possibility if Trump's economic policies continue.
What is to be Done?
So, what can we do to stop this economic disaster? One way or other we need to get rid of trump. The 25th amendment should be invoked because Trump is too old and senile to serve.. We need a leader who understands the importance of a global economy and will work to strengthen the US economy, not sabotage it.
A New Path Forward
Imagine a US economy that works for everyone, not just the wealthy few. A economy that is strong, stable, and connected to the global community. This is the future we deserve, and it's time to take action to make it a reality. We need to come together to demand a better future for our country and our economy. The time for change is now.
Trump’s Economic Sabotage: A Calculated Assault on Prosperity
The Trump administration’s economic policies are not merely misguided—they are a systemic dismantling of the mechanisms that sustain American prosperity. Wrapped in populist rhetoric, these actions betray a reckless disregard for empirical evidence, historical precedent, and the interconnected realities of the global economy. Here is the unvarnished truth, grounded in irrefutable data and expert analysis.
Tariffs: A Self-Inflicted Economic Wound
Trump’s tariffs—10-20% on most trading partners and 60% on China—are not a strategic masterstroke. They are a blunt instrument that punishes U.S. consumers, destabilizes global markets, and undermines the industries they claim to protect.
Inflationary Shock: JPMorgan estimates Trump’s tariffs will act as a $660 billion tax hike, adding nearly 2% to consumer prices by 2025. Households already grappling with elevated inflation will bear the brunt, while businesses face supply chain chaos and retaliatory measures from trading partners.
Global Backlash: The EU has pledged counter-tariffs, China condemns “unilateral bullying,” and Mexico/Canada face disproportionate strain. This retaliation will shrink export markets for U.S. goods, exacerbating the very trade imbalances Trump claims to fix.
Historical Ignorance: Protectionism fueled the Great Depression. Trump’s tariffs risk repeating this catastrophe, with Moody’s Analytics projecting a 0.4% GDP contraction and stagflation risks.
The lie of “reciprocal tariffs” collapses under scrutiny. Basing tariffs on bilateral trade deficits—as Trump proposes—ignores how modern supply chains operate. Mutual gains from specialization are sacrificed for nationalist posturing.
Fiscal Recklessness: Debt and Default as Policy Tools
Trump’s fiscal irresponsibility is not an accident; it is a feature.
$8.4 Trillion Debt Bomb: Tax cuts skewed toward the wealthy, unrestrained discretionary spending, and pandemic-era relief have bloated the national debt. This limits the government’s capacity to respond to future crises.
Default Threats: While the U.S. has never defaulted, Trump’s brinkmanship over the debt ceiling—combined with investor fears of his erratic governance—risks a 2025 crisis. A default would crater the dollar’s reserve status and trigger global financial panic.
Corporate Bankruptcy Parallels: Trump’s history of corporate defaults (six Chapter 11 filings) reveals a pattern: leverage debt, evade accountability, and shift losses onto others. The national debt is his next casino.
Isolationism: A Path to Irrelevance
Trump’s vision of a U.S. economy decoupled from global markets is a fantasy.
Delusional Self-Sufficiency: China and the EU—each with GDPs rivaling the U.S.—will not collapse without American trade. Their diversified supply chains and markets ensure resilience. The U.S., by contrast, relies on global demand for its bonds, tech, and agriculture.
Investor Flight: Foreign holders of $7.6 trillion in U.S. Treasuries may divest if Trump destabilizes governance. Higher borrowing costs would cripple infrastructure, defense, and social programs.
Leadership Vacuum: Abandoning alliances cedes influence to China. Trump’s withdrawal from Ukraine and climate accords signals unreliability, pushing allies toward alternative partnerships.
The Human Cost: Layoffs, Uncertainty, and Suffering
Behind the macroeconomic carnage are real lives disrupted:
20,000 HHS Jobs Axed: Trump’s cuts to Health and Human Services—including Medicaid, disease prevention, and mental health programs—will devastate vulnerable communities.
Immigrant Labor Stripped: Mass deportations will spike costs in construction, hospitality, and agriculture, inflating prices further.
Corporate Caution: Best Buy and Target warn of profit pressures. Auto manufacturers face parts shortages. Small businesses, lacking economies of scale, will fold.
Conclusion: Sabotage in Plain Sight
If the goal were to cripple U.S. economic power, Trump’s policies would be diabolically effective. Tariffs ignite inflation, debt invites crisis, and isolation breeds decline. Nobel economists warn of “reignited inflation” and recession; Moody’s forecasts stagflation. Yet the damage is rationalized as “disruption” or “America First.”
This is not disruption—it is demolition. The 25th Amendment is no panacea, but the alternative is clear: a diminished nation, poorer and alone, led by a man who treats governance as a bankruptcy court.
Sources
1. Chatham House: "Loss of Confidence in US Governance"[1]
2. AP News: Tariff Impact on Businesses[2]
3. NerdWallet: Trump’s Economic Risks[3]
4. CNN: Tariffs and Recession Risks[4]
5. NYT: Economic Outlook Shaken[5]
6. Tax Foundation: Flawed Tariff Logic[6]
Citations: [1] https://www.chathamhouse.org/2025/01/biggest-economic-risk-donald-trumps-presidency-loss-confidence-us-governance [2] https://apnews.com/article/trump-tariffs-explainer-399b5d4da6e6be77cefabf25ceaa8191 [3] https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/finance/trump-economy [4] https://www.cnn.com/2025/04/04/economy/recession-trump-tariffs-intl/index.html [5] https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/07/business/economy/trump-economy-tariffs.html [6] https://taxfoundation.org/blog/trump-reciprocal-tariffs-calculations/ [7] https://cepr.org/voxeu/columns/impact-trumps-economic-policy-eu-economy [8] https://www.claconnect.com/en/resources/articles/25/the-impact-of-trumps-tariffs-a-comprehensive-analysis
The Bankruptcy Chronicles of Donald Trump: A Legacy of Leverage and Loss
Donald Trump’s business career is a masterclass in leveraging bankruptcy laws to evade accountability while leaving a trail of shattered creditors and disillusioned partners. Below, we dissect his corporate collapses, contextualize their human and financial costs, and expose the systemic exploitation underpinning his “genius” branding.
Bankruptcy #1: Trump Taj Mahal (1991)
Debt: $3 billion (including $900 million in personal liabilities)[1][4]
Trump’s flagship Atlantic City casino, financed by high-risk junk bonds at 14% interest, collapsed within a year of opening. The 1991 bankruptcy forced Trump to surrender 50% equity to bondholders and accept a five-year repayment plan. The Taj Mahal’s failure coincided with a recession, but experts blamed Trump’s “reckless over-leverage” for exacerbating losses[1][4].
Key Fact: Trump personally guaranteed $900 million in loans, yet avoided personal bankruptcy by shifting losses onto investors and small vendors[1].
Bankruptcy #2: Trump Plaza Hotel (1992)
Debt: $550 million[1][4]
Acquired in 1988 for $390 million, the Plaza Hotel defaulted within four years. Trump relinquished 49% ownership to creditors and lost operational control, though he retained the title of CEO without salary or decision-making authority[1][4].
Pattern: Trump’s habit of securing loans against inflated asset valuations left lenders holding devalued collateral.
Bankruptcy #3: Trump Castle Hotel & Casino (1992)
Debt: $338 million[2][4]
Filed weeks after the Plaza’s collapse, this bankruptcy marked Trump’s third failure in a year. The Castle’s restructuring diluted equity for bondholders and vendors, many of whom received cents on the dollar[2][4].
Context: Atlantic City’s economic decline played a role, but Trump’s aggressive debt accumulation outpaced market realities.
Bankruptcy #4: Trump Hotels and Casino Resorts (2004)
Debt: $1.8 billion[2][4]
This conglomerate—encompassing three Atlantic City casinos and an Indiana riverboat—filed Chapter 11 after missing bond payments. Trump retained a 25% stake but lost majority control. The restructuring left 72,000 bondholders with losses exceeding $1.3 billion[4][5].
Quote: “I’ve used the laws of this country to pare debt… It’s not personal. It’s just business”[4].
Bankruptcy #5: Trump Entertainment Resorts (2009)
Debt: $1.2 billion[2][4]
The Great Recession delivered the final blow to Trump’s casino empire. He resigned as chairman, reduced his stake to 10%, and licensed his name to the restructured entity. Vendors and employees bore the brunt: pension funds were slashed, and contractors went unpaid[2][4].
Legacy: Over 11,000 employees lost jobs across Trump’s Atlantic City ventures between 2004-2009[4][7].
The Hidden Toll: Vendors, Workers, and Communities
Bankruptcy courts shielded Trump’s personal wealth while devastating others:
- Unpaid Contractors: Small businesses supplying construction materials, catering, and maintenance services were left with unresolved claims[4][5].
- Pension Cuts: Union workers at Trump casinos saw retirement benefits reduced by up to 30% post-bankruptcy[4].
- Municipal Strain: Atlantic City’s tax base eroded as Trump properties depreciated, exacerbating public service cuts[4].
Beyond Bankruptcies: A Culture of Collapse
Trump’s business failures extended beyond Chapter 11 filings:
1. Trump Shuttle (1992): Defaulted on $380 million in loans, leading to liquidation[3].
2. Trump University (2011): Shuttered amid fraud lawsuits and $25 million in settlements[3].
3. Trump Steaks/Vodka/Mortgage: All folded within two years of launch, leaving investors stranded[3].
Legal Strategy: Lawsuits and licensing deals allowed Trump to profit from failures. For example, he earned $2 million annually licensing his name to Trump Entertainment Resorts post-bankruptcy[4].
Systemic Exploitation: The Bankruptcy Playbook
Trump’s approach follows a predictable pattern:
1. Over-leverage: Borrow aggressively against inflated asset values.
2. Collapse: File Chapter 11, citing external factors (recession, competition).
3. Restructure: Force creditors to absorb losses; retain equity via licensing.
4. Rebrand: Spin failures as “strategic wins” while distancing from accountability.
Expert Analysis: Stephen Lubben, a corporate bankruptcy scholar, notes, “Trump’s repeated use of Chapter 11 is atypical. Most entrepreneurs learn from failure; he institutionalized it”[1][5].
Conclusion: A President’s Precarious Ledger
Trump’s bankruptcies reveal a disregard for fiduciary responsibility and a penchant for shifting losses onto others. While legal, this pattern raises existential questions: Can a leader who treats national debt like corporate leverage be trusted with the U.S. economy? The data suggests not.
Sources[1] Rubio Campaign Press Release, The Four Times Donald Trump Has Declared Bankruptcy (2016)[2] Lock Haven, Trump Bankruptcies (2024)[3] LA Times, Hiltzik: A List of Trump’s Disastrous Business Deals (2022)[4] Wikipedia, Business Career of Donald Trump (2025)[5] ABI, Examining Donald Trump’s Chapter 11 Bankruptcies[6] Washington Post, Fact Check: Trump’s Bankruptcies (2016)[7] Yahoo Finance, Trump’s 7th Bankruptcy (2020)[8] Wikipedia, Category: Trump’s Bankrupt Businesses
Citations: [1] https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/documents/rubio-campaign-press-release-the-four-times-donald-trump-has-declared-bankruptcy [2] https://www.lockhaven.com/opinion/letters-to-the-editor/2024/08/trump-bankruptcies/ [3] https://www.latimes.com/business/story/2022-05-18/trump-business-partners-outline-his-failed-deals [4] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Business_career_of_Donald_Trump [5] https://www.abi.org/feed-item/examining-donald-trump%E2%80%99s-chapter-11-bankruptcies [6] https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2016/live-updates/general-election/real-time-fact-checking-and-analysis-of-the-first-presidential-debate/fact-check-has-trump-declared-bankruptcy-four-or-six-times/ [7] https://finance.yahoo.com/news/were-watching-trumps-7th-bankruptcy-unfold-171903858.html [8] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Businesses_of_Donald_Trump_that_went_bankrupt
Russian Hit List:
translate.google.com or translate.yandex.ru is your friend: or not. pick wisely.
Russian Explosives factory goes boom.
Russian Fiber Optics factory goes boom.
https://24tv.ua/ru/drony-atakovali-zavod-saranske-chto-proizvodit-predprijatie-chem_n2792544
Russian Auto & Garage in Omsk goes boom boom boom. Looks like a carbomb.
https://superomsk.ru/news/148249-poyavilis_foto_jutkogo_pojara_posle_serii_vzrvov_v/
Another Russian Auto this time in Voronezh goes boom. Since its being observed by a a drone and very likely a Ukrainian one, well, can’t always wire up the engine to go boom. One way or another though: boom.
https://moe-online.ru/news/incidents/1219804
https://portalvoronezh.ru/news/obschestvo/voronezhcy-soobschili-o-gromkih-zvukah-v-gorode2.html
Chelyabinsk has a series of ‘mysterious’ booms.