Is President Donald Trump intentionally “manufacturing” a crisis to declare martial law?
Jim Cramer, a prominent CNBC host, has expressed concerns that President Trump’s economic policies might intentionally create recession conditions. Cramer’s comments come amid significant market volatility and investor anxiety over Trump’s tariff policies and unpredictable economic strategies.
During a discussion with “Squawk on the Street” co-host Carl Quintanilla on Tuesday, the seasoned trader confidently asserted that there is currently no foundation for the economy to slide into a recession—unless, of course, actions taken by Trump were to cause one. This perspective highlights the stability of our economic conditions and suggests that external influences would be necessary to disrupt this balance.
“I don’t think we’ll have a recession ― like I said, it’s manufactured. It’s manufactured,” Cramer told Quintanilla. “‘Manufactured’ could easily cause recession. Absolutely.”
“I’m saying manufacturing is that you can make it happen,” he continued.
Drawing from historical records, Cramer pointed out that the tariffs introduced through the Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act played a substantial role in exacerbating the Great Depression—or perhaps even directly causing it. This perspective highlights a critical view of how such economic policies can have far-reaching and detrimental impacts.
“So … is [Trump] playing with fire?” Quintanilla asked.
“Absolutely,” Cramer shot back. “But is it arson?”
Quintanilla gave him an opening to temper the charge: “Meaning that you can contain the blaze, is that what you’re saying?”
Even the conservative-leaning Wall Street Journal’s editorial board has sharply criticized former President Donald Trump’s new tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China as “the dumbest trade war in history,” and “nonsensical,” arguing the measures lack strategic rationale and threaten to harm U.S. consumers, industries, and diplomatic relationships.
Moreover, Trump is treating our allies poorly and is seemingly indifferent to their many threats of boycotting American products and services.
What the hell is happening?
Picture this: America is facing a critical situation, reminiscent of the Great Depression, largely due to Trump’s policies. This has led to significant civil unrest, with widespread rioting and protests becoming the norm. Furthermore, public health emergencies are escalating under the leadership of anti-vaxxer Health and Human Services Director Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., compounding these challenges into a monumental crisis that demands immediate attention and action in the form of martial law.
When the public is weakened by factors such as economic crises, starvation, unemployment, and pandemics, it becomes significantly more susceptible to an autocratic takeover. These conditions create a fertile ground for authoritarian forces to exploit vulnerabilities and seize control.
Adolf Hitler’s rise to power in Germany was facilitated by economic instability: Germany was severely affected by the Great Depression, with unemployment rates soaring to nearly 30% by 1933. This economic crisis created widespread discontent and desperation among the population, making them more receptive to radical solutions promised by the Nazi Party.
During Trump’s first term, there were discussions about martial law, particularly in the context of his emergency powers and the Insurrection Act.
The public’s patience with Trump is waning, partly due to economic concerns and the perception of chaotic governance. Democrats are struggling to capitalize on this dissatisfaction, which could influence political dynamics but does not directly relate to martial law plans.
In summary, while Trump’s policies are causing economic uncertainty and there have been past speculations about martial law, there is no clear evidence that he is intentionally creating a recession to justify declaring martial law. However, this would be a solid game plan for an authoritarian wannabe to attain absolute power.
Reach out to your representatives in Congress and express your concern that a crisis may be intentionally created to pave the way for a dictatorship. It’s crucial that they hear from you, as your voice can help safeguard our democracy and ensure transparency in governance.