Donald Trump’s stance on tariffs has become more serious than initially expected, with the former president signaling that his second term could start with a drastic shift in trade policy. By targeting Mexico, Canada, and China, Trump is reaffirming his campaign threats, despite previous assumptions that he might take a softer approach and his choice of moderate Treasury Secretary nominee Scott Bessent. The tariffs are less about trade policy and more about pressuring these nations to change their migration and drug policies. This move could lead to inflation and higher consumer costs, and his aggressive tactics may push the US into isolation if allies push back.