Trade policies have always shaped the global economy. Still, few moments have garnered as much media frenzy as President Donald Trump’s tariff decisions on Canada, Mexico, China, and the European Union. The framing of Trump’s tariffs not only shaped public perception but also altered geopolitical relations, creating a self-perpetuating cycle of economic and diplomatic tensions. To provide insights that are relevant to new geopolitical developments, our analyst analyzes 20 news articles from international news outlets regarding the tariff trade war between the United States of America and other countries, particularly the CMC nations previously mentioned.
The Role of Moral Panic in Framing Trump’s Tariffs
Moral panic follows a specific trajectory, often beginning with the identification of a folk devil, an individual or group held responsible for a societal threat. In this case, the media positioned Trump and his tariffs as the central disruptors of global trade stability. Headlines such as “Trump says tariff ‘pain’ worth it for US as Canada and Mexico retaliate” and “Trump tariffs: which countries are affected and what does this mean?” illustrate how the narrative was framed as a global crisis rather than a standard economic policy decision.
Through exaggeration and sensationalism, media outlets amplified the perception of tariffs as a direct economic assault rather than a strategic policy manoeuvre. For instance, phrases like “Global alarm, condemnation as Trump tariffs hit Mexico, Canada and China” and “With tariffs and threats, Trump turns on America’s closest allies” evoke fear and instability. The media’s emphasis on pain, fallout, alarm, condemnation, and threats, the media shaped public perception makes the tariffs seem catastrophic rather than a routine element of trade negotiations.
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From Economic Policy to Diplomatic Warfare
The media’s construction of moral panic around Trump’s tariffs had direct implications for geopolitics. It transformed what could have been measured trade disputes into diplomatic confrontations. The reciprocal tariffs from Canada and Mexico were framed as acts of resistance against an aggressor rather than economic countermeasures. Consider the framing in “Canada, Mexico announce retaliatory tariffs on US” and “Canada tariffs: Trudeau hits back against Trump with 25% levy”.
This adversarial narrative played a critical role in reinforcing nationalistic sentiments within affected countries. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, for example, was portrayed as a leader rallying his country against economic aggression. The headline “Trump tariffs booed in Canada as Trudeau calls for national unity” suggests that tariffs were not just economic instruments but catalysts for political unity and defiance against perceived external threats.
Similarly, the European Union’s response was depicted as inevitable and justified. The headline “Trump says EU tariffs will ‘definitely happen’ as Mexico, Canada and China retaliate” presents retaliation as an unavoidable consequence rather than a negotiable policy response. This media-driven escalation further strained diplomatic relations and reinforced divisions between the US and its traditional allies.
The Lasting Impact on Global Trade and Alliances
The long-term consequences of media-driven moral panic around Trump’s tariffs extend far beyond his presidency. Countries now view trade disputes through a more adversarial lens, making compromise and negotiation more challenging. The rhetoric of economic nationalism, once amplified by media narratives, continues to influence protectionist policies worldwide.
Moreover, the media’s role in framing trade policies as crises has set a precedent for future economic reporting. Policymakers must now navigate a highly reactive media landscape, where trade decisions are instantly scrutinized and sensationalized. This creates a more volatile environment for global trade, where perception often outweighs economic realities.
As trade policies continue to evolve in a post-Trump world, leaders must be mindful of how media discourse influences public opinion and policy responses. In an era where perception is often more influential than reality, understanding the power of media-driven moral panics is essential for navigating the complexities of international trade and diplomacy.
