https://x.com/mkraju/status/1881505153855173059

With growing speculation over the economic consequences of Donald Trump’s potential return to the presidency, social media has ignited with discussions about “TrumpFlation,” trade wars, and international retaliation from Canada and Mexico. Many users are already predicting rising prices, supply chain disruptions, and economic instability, while others are calling for North American allies to push back against the U.S. should Trump pursue protectionist policies.
Concerns Over Inflation and Economic Fallout
One of the major themes in the conversation is how Trump’s trade policies could lead to higher prices for consumers. Some users argue that businesses have already stockpiled goods in anticipation of trade wars, meaning the immediate impact on prices may not be felt right away. However, once those reserves run out, consumers could see massive price hikes on everyday goods, particularly those imported from Canada and Mexico.
- “TrumpFlation will take a while because businesses have already bought ahead in anticipation of trade wars.”
- “Get ready, America—if you thought prices were high before, you haven’t seen anything yet.”
- “Oh, the price of eggs probably won’t go down.”
These concerns highlight a broader economic anxiety, particularly as inflation has already been a major issue in recent years. Some believe Trump’s policies will only make things worse, with one user bluntly stating:
- “He’s hurting all of America!”
The “West Coast Secession” Debate: Could the U.S. Split?
A more radical suggestion that gained traction in the discussion was the idea that West Coast states, including California, Oregon, and Washington, should break away from the U.S. and join Canada to avoid the economic fallout.
- “Canada is ready to retaliate, and the West Coast should really consider joining with Canada as a new country. That way, we would no longer be joined to Florida and Texas.”
While the idea of secession has long been dismissed as unrealistic, it reflects growing frustration among some Americans who feel certain states are disproportionately responsible for economic and political instability.
Calls for Canada and Mexico to Retaliate Against Trump’s Policies
Many users, particularly those outside the U.S., expressed support for Canada and Mexico retaliating against a trade war initiated by Trump. There was a noticeable amount of schadenfreude (taking pleasure in another’s misfortune), with people urging Canada and Mexico to “inflict pain” on the U.S. economy as a response to Trump’s aggressive stance on trade.
- “Canada and Mexico—have at ’em! Make them feel it!”
- “Inflict your pain… because the convicted felon is categorically insane.”
- “Bring it on, Canada!”
These reactions suggest that some people see a trade war not just as an economic issue but as a form of political punishment for Trump’s policies and supporters.
The USMCA Irony: Did Trump Already Sign a Trade Agreement?
Several users pointed out that Trump previously signed the USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement) during his first term, a renegotiation of NAFTA that he claimed was a major trade victory. Critics found it odd that he would now pursue trade conflicts with Canada and Mexico, given that he had already worked to strengthen economic ties with them.
- “Didn’t Trump sign the USMCA trade agreement with Canada and Mexico during his first term? So odd.”
This contradiction raises questions about the consistency of Trump’s economic policies and whether a new trade war is truly necessary or simply a political move to rally his base.
Political and Ideological Divide: Free Market vs. Economic Nationalism
Unsurprisingly, the discussion also brought out deep political divides, with some users defending Trump’s approach and others mocking his supporters for failing to anticipate the economic consequences.
- “Get ready, MAGA… prices are going to skyrocket!”
- “Let the people experience the full Trump!”
- “FAFO, MAGA” (short for ‘F* Around and Find Out’)”**
On the other hand, some Trump supporters and free-market advocates dismissed the outrage, arguing that businesses and consumers would adapt and that tariffs could ultimately help American industries by reducing reliance on foreign imports.
- “You have a choice to use Facebook or not. If you dislike the policy, you can go elsewhere. Same goes for the economy—adapt or fail.”
Others criticized the panic over potential price increases, arguing that inflation has already been high under the current administration, and that blaming future economic issues solely on Trump is politically motivated fear-mongering.
Final Thoughts: A Preview of Economic Uncertainty
The heated reactions on social media show that the prospect of another Trump presidency is already causing economic anxiety, particularly in relation to trade policy, inflation, and international relations.
While Trump has not yet enacted new trade policies, the anticipation of a trade war with Canada and Mexico is already stirring strong reactions, with people preparing for potential price increases, economic retaliation, and even political shifts in the U.S.
Ultimately, whether or not these concerns materialize depends on Trump’s actual policy decisions—but one thing is certain: the political and economic landscape in 2025 is already shaping up to be deeply divided and highly volatile.