Summary
Trump’s new tariffs—10% across the board plus duties on 60 countries—threaten U.S. farmers already strained by high inflation, rising loan rates, and falling crop prices.
Unlike 2018, today’s farm economy offers less cushion, with depleted bailout funds and federal budget constraints limiting relief.
While herbicides and fertilizers are exempt, farmers fear retaliatory tariffs and export losses.
Farm groups and lawmakers urge moderation, prompting USDA to launch new trade initiatives. Still, widespread USDA staff cuts and uncertain support leave many farmers anxious, risking political fallout in key red states.
Pearl Harbor was the real turning point. Also leadership wanted to support the allies but had to get the public on board. The tide started to turn with Hitler’s invasions of Austria, Czechoslovakia, and especially Poland, but Pearl Harbor was the crucible.
We need an external enemy to distract us from fighting each other and to achieve solidarity.