From Rhino Reader Christian Rice

Trump’s “America Alone” strategy, which relies on leveraging US spending power as a ‘bully stick’ negotiation tool, has not delivered the promised results.  Recent data actually indicates the opposite outcome.

Trade balances have not been restored; for example, in November 2025, the US trade deficit reached $56.8 billion—a 94.6% increase from October, largely due to pre-tariff stockpiling. Over the first eleven months of 2025, the total deficit grew about 4.1% compared to the same period in 2024.

Tariffs aimed at China seem to have little effect, with China achieving a record global trade surplus of $1.19 trillion, up nearly 20% from 2024. This suggests China is less reliant on US markets than assumed by the administration.

Many long-time allies are rethinking their trade relationships with the United States. For instance, Canada’s Prime Minister announced plans at Davos to seek new independent trade agreements and reduce economic ties with the US.  In addition, Canadian tourism to the US dropped by around 30%, representing an $8 billion decrease in spending.

Meanwhile, the US manufacturing sector continues to face difficulties. The Manufacturing PMI was below 50 throughout the year, indicating ongoing contraction, with December’s reading at 47.9%. Between 68,000 and 76,000 manufacturing jobs were lost in 2025. While federal efforts generated almost $400 billion in private investment commitments for advanced technology industries like semiconductors and electric vehicles, actual spending on manufacturing construction fell during much of the year. Additionally, half of all US manufacturers report that tariff changes and trade disputes are making it harder to plan for long-term investments. As a result, prospects for manufacturing in 2026 remain uncertain.

Farm bankruptcies are rising, and Americans continue to struggle with affordability in groceries, housing, and energy. Job growth remains flat, and consumer confidence is decreasing, all of which point to the need for a change in the Trump administration’s economic policies.

As voters prepare for the upcoming federal mid-term elections, it’s important to support candidates who promote balanced and disciplined economic policies, aiming for stability and sustainable growth rather than strategies that distance allies and empower competitors. Effective leadership is needed to return discipline to US trade policy.

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