Give Trump some credit on trade

True to his word, US President Donald Trump is busy remaking global trade by striking new deals that are fair to America. Bitter, hate-spewing 'liberals' disagree, their sole mission is to bring him down at any cost, never mind if facts are sacrificed at the altar of conspiracy theories. Trump hasn't been a saint with facts either. Core issues are dispensable to him and alt-truth fits him snugly. The president's decisions are driven by instinct while he hopes things fall into place. He's been liberal with the 'untruth' but it would be unwise to take him for granted and brand his actions stupid. And who said he's a conservative when he speaks and tweets his mind while proving to be his own man? This presidency is all about a break with convention while those opposing him have stooped to such lows by calling him mentally unsound. Then, who exactly is qualified to wear the liberal crown? And how can they claim to espouse liberal values when they attempt to gag the conservatives and traditionalists in their midst?
Trump may be a polarising influence but has remained steadfast in what he believes is best for America. The US is looking inwards under the Trump administration and there is no free lunch available for the so-called liberal order. Illegals cannot simply walk into the country anymore. They must legally apply to enter the US and play by the rules. On trade, countries would be advised to introspect and partner with the US on equal terms like Mexico and Canada just did. The US-Mexico-Canada Agreement will give American products equitable access in these countries. What is wrong with correcting the traditional trade imbalance that Washington has been subjected to all these years? Here Trump is merely vocalising and acting on honest deals for the US. His critics may call the measures protectionist, but the facts and figures belie these claims despite a strong dollar. In 2017, the US trade deficit was $566 billion - imports totalled $2.9 trillion while exports stood at $2.3 trillion. The refurbished agreement with Canada and Mexico will make Chinese car parts dearer, the protected Canadian dairy market will open up and the US president is certain to make political capital ahead of the mid-terms. This is a win for Trump without a doubt, but try telling that to illiberal liberals who are baring their fangs.