Playing the Trump card

WHEN US President Joe Biden met the former and soon again-to-be president Donald Trump, he promised a transition that would see his team do “everything we can to make sure you’re accommodated”. This seems to be the stance not only of the outgoing administration but everyone.

Foreign governments from China to Mexico and Canada, as well as in Europe, have already begun gearing up for and accommodating Trump preferences and likely initiatives – whether on tariffs, fentanyl or defence spending. The thinking about the ongoing wars in Ukraine and the Middle East has turned now to ceasefires and possible settlements. While economists warn about possible Trump policies triggering inflation and a return to higher interest rates, the markets have been surging.

Trump’s inauguration ceremony will take place only on Jan 20 next year. But for almost all intents and purposes, the current administration is already in the rearview mirror, and all are trying to anticipate a Trump-centric future.