Donald Trump’s venture with the Trump Ocean Club in Panama was marked by numerous legal battles, financial issues, and disputes that culminated in the removal of the Trump name. This project serves as a reflection of Trump’s negotiation style, not only in real estate but also in global trade arenas.

Trump’s strategy, as seen in his recent imposition of wide-ranging tariffs on major trading partners, encompasses an aggressive and disruptive approach without pinpointing specific industries or conducting in-depth analyses. His focus is on asserting dominance, escalating swiftly, creating turmoil, and standing firm without yielding ground in negotiations.

In Panama, the Trump Organization, despite not being directly involved in funding or constructing the project, utilized legal maneuvers and a display of strength to retain control and resist attempts by the owners’ association to terminate their involvement. This modus operandi of projecting power and prolonging conflicts mirrors Trump’s tariff strategy to leverage the U.S. market influence while pressuring nations to comply.

Although Trump’s tactics may yield short-term victories, major nations like China, the European Union, and Japan are less likely to acquiesce easily to his demands. The discord that lingered after the removal of the Trump name in Panama exemplifies the potential long-term consequences of Trump’s hardline stance in international trade.

In his quest to revive American manufacturing and support domestic workers through tariffs, Trump hopes to reverse the effects of unfavorable trade deals that resulted in job losses and economic decline in manufacturing-dependent regions. The tariffs are positioned as a means of reshaping trade dynamics to favor American production and labor interests.

While some may view Trump’s tariff approach favorably for defending local workers and challenging global trade norms, the long-term outcomes remain uncertain. The success of these measures will hinge on attracting investments, bolstering infrastructure, and nurturing skilled labor forces while dealing with the economic repercussions and diplomatic strains resulting from such tumultuous trade policies.