Trump to the #GlobalGreatLakes: Drop Dead

"The trouble with tariffs, to be succinct, is that they raise prices, slow economic growth, cut profits, increase unemployment, worsen inequality, diminish productivity, and increase global tensions. Other than that, they’re fine." -- David Kelly, Chief Global Strategist @ JP Morgan Asset Management

In today's interconnected global economy, the promise of protection through isolation is more a mirage than salvation. Sure, a policy of protectionism is good politics, but it is poor economics.

President Trump's push toward aggressive tariff policies signals troubling times ahead for those living and working in the Global Great Lakes region—where economic prosperity depends on seamless cross-border collaboration.

The economic ecosystem spanning the US-Canadian border isn't just about trade statistics; it's about real communities whose livelihoods depend on manufacturing supply chains that crisscross international boundaries. Our region has flourished precisely because of the symbiotic relationship between manufacturing, agriculture, and global trade.

History has repeatedly shown that trade partners rarely absorb tariffs passively. Nations defending their economic sovereignty respond with countermeasures, creating a cascade effect that amplifies economic downsides far beyond feel-good talk and political talking points that Trump administration staffers spout to friendly media outlets.

Trump's economic policies threaten the Global Great Lakes region.

These policies aren't abstract. These policies translate directly to:

- Higher costs for manufacturers who rely on imported components

- Restricted market access for agricultural exports

- Disrupted supply chains that took decades to optimize

- Diminished competitiveness in global markets

Because of Trump's tariffs, businesses, entrepreneurs, and consumers now face increased friction and economic hardship instead of the promised protection. The policies that Trump administration staffers claim will revitalize manufacturing will now stifle growth and undermine the financial security of those living and working in this interconnected region.

The Global Great Lakes economy wasn't built on isolation but on collaboration. The region's strength comes from leveraging comparative advantages across borders, not erecting barriers between partners.

Business and civic leaders must advocate for commonsense trade policies recognizing regional economic realities.

The future of communities in the Global Great Lakes depends not on divisive economic nationalism but on recommitting to the cooperative approach that made our region an economic powerhouse in the first place.

Enjoy the ride + plan accordingly.

-Marc

The new media to politics pipeline

Here are five insights on the "Fox News to White House" pipeline:

1. The traditional separation between media and government is rapidly dissolving, creating new power realities where influence is increasingly communications-driven.

2. Media experience is now a top qualification for governance, especially in Trump 2.0, suggesting that communication skills now outweigh traditional policy expertise.

3. This communications-driven trend represents a fundamental shift in how political capital is built and deployed in American governance.

4. Donald Trump appointing media figures creates an environment where talking points become unified across government and media channels.

5. For businesses, this signals a need to reassess government relations strategies, where communications become the essential way to shape and influence policy.

The recent appointment of podcaster and media personality Dan Bongino as deputy FBI director marks a significant milestone in this communications-driven governance trend. Bongino is Fox News's 20th appointment to the Trump administration.

The Bongino appointment transcends simple political patronage. We are witnessing the emergence of a new governance philosophy where media communication skills are valued far above traditional policy expertise or institutional knowledge.

These Trump 2.0 appointments demand strategic recalibration for business leaders. When media personalities become decision-makers, the dynamics of regulatory influence fundamentally change.

The implications for government relations reach beyond policy concerns. This new Trump 2.0 model represents a structural evolution in how democratic governance functions in a media-saturated environment. The conventional paths to influence—through industry expertise, academic credentials, or bureaucratic experience—are being overrun by direct communications and media know-how.

Forward-thinking leaders should understand how this trend will reshape public affairs, regulatory frameworks, and crisis management.

Executives must ask: Are we prepared for a governance environment where media influence and governmental authority are increasingly intertwined?

Those business leaders who understand this new communications-policymaker dynamic will hold a competitive advantage in navigating Trump 2.0.

Enjoy the ride + plan accordingly.

-Marc

Trump's tariff policies + the Global Great Lakes

As geopolitical and economic dynamics shift under Trump 2.0, business and civic leaders must recognize the potential negative and burdensome impacts on interconnected regional economies. The Global Great Lakes presents a compelling case study of these challenges.

When analyzing potential tariff impacts on this unique cross-border economic ecosystem, there are five critical issues to grasp:

1. Regional integration at risk: The Global Great Lakes is an integrated system where manufacturing, hospitality, technology, finance, and trade form a delicate balance across international boundaries. Once a strength, this interdependence becomes a vulnerability when trade barriers rise.

2. Competitive cost disruption: In manufacturing alone, Trump's tariffs will increase raw material costs throughout the supply chain, putting pressure on margins for businesses of all sizes and accelerating inflation within the region.

3. Tit-for-tat spiral: Trade partners rarely absorb tariffs passively as they cannot ignore their economic sovereignty. The likelihood of countermeasures creates a cascade effect that will amplify economic downsides beyond initial projections.

4. False protection paradox: While tariffs are good politics and a winning issue on the campaign trail, aiming to protect domestic industries and allow national governments to pick the winners and losers of an economy, tariffs are bad economics and create unintended consequences. The resulting friction in business operations and increased consumer costs will outweigh protective benefits and impact the long-term vitality of the Global Great Lakes.

5. Economic growth stifled: The cumulative effect of Trump's tariffs threatens to constrain growth, limit job creation, increase economic uncertainty, and reduce financial security for residents and businesses throughout the Global Great Lakes.

The region's business and civic leaders must confront Trump's tariffs head-on and convey to Washington that these policy shifts will create long-term challenges for the Global Great Lakes.

It is imperative to communicate and engage with political leaders across the aisle and let them know that Trump's economic policies and pro-tariff agenda will have significant negative impacts on the Global Great Lakes region.

Enjoy the ride + plan accordingly.

-Marc