Anticipate heightened discontent among Americans in the forthcoming months

In the heart of downtown Tokyo, an author was preparing for a book event when news of tariffs broke 26 days ago. Since then, the issue has been a constant theme in their work, as they believe it will be a topic of discussion for a long time to come.

The current economic climate in America is reminiscent of the period before the conquest of France in World War 2. People are aware that pain is heading their way due to tariffs, and they are starting to get increasingly angry about it. Poll after poll shows that Americans disapprove of Trump's handling of trade and tariffs, inflation, and the cost of living.

Trump's approval rating has taken a significant hit, going from 12 points up to 9 points down. The Republicans are polling lower as a party, and even a sizeable minority of Republicans say Trump has "gone too far" in expanding the powers of the presidency.

Among political Independents, Trump's numbers are particularly abysmal. Nearly three-quarters of Americans think it is likely that Trump's economic policies will cause an economic recession. Strong majorities favor the return of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, indicating a desire for a change in economic strategy.

Despite the economic unease, there has been no significant rise in unemployment, cratering of GDP growth, or empty shelves due to tariffs so far. However, there is a modest increase in inflation, a sign that the real economic pain from tariffs has yet to arrive. The worst is likely still at least six months away.

The author has recorded several podcasts discussing tariffs, including one with Andrew Yang and another with P.J. Vogt. Their podcast, Hexapodia, co-hosted by the author, is back after a year on hiatus and is discussing topics related to the Trump Era.

The link between tariffs and the national debt is becoming increasingly clear. Capital flight due to tariffs is raising borrowing costs for the U.S. government, a concern that will only grow as the economic pain from tariffs becomes more apparent.

Trump is losing confidence among voters in his ability to handle the economy. The author believes that the real economic pain of tariffs has not yet been felt, and it will likely absorb attention for at least the next year or two. As the impact of tariffs becomes more evident, it is clear that Americans are capable of distinguishing border security from Trump's approach to deportations. They are making it clear that they want a change in economic strategy.