Trump’s June jobs report proves the haters WRONG, economist says

Trump’s Trade Strategy Ignites Economic Surge Ahead of July 9 Deadline

As the July 9th trade deadline rapidly approaches, President Donald Trump is once again shaking up global markets and the Washington establishment. In a series of surprising developments this week, Trump revealed that he has signed 12 separate trade letters — each tailored to different countries, with varying levels of tariffs and specific economic demands. While full details won’t be released until Monday, the president’s approach signals a bold escalation in his long-running campaign to reset America’s trade relationships.

The trade letters come amid a broader economic push that’s fueling renewed optimism across conservative economic circles. The administration’s recent legislation — dubbed by some as the “Big, Beautiful Bill” — is a sweeping 900-page reform package aimed at bolstering American industry, slashing taxes, and increasing global demand for U.S. exports. It’s also playing a key role in reestablishing the U.S. as a dominant force in international trade negotiations.

Trump’s Trade Ultimatum

During a brief exchange with reporters, President Trump confirmed he had signed 12 different trade letters set to be delivered Monday. Though he remained tight-lipped on which countries would receive them, he emphasized that the letters involve “different amounts of money, different amounts of tariffs, and somewhat different statements.”

Insiders speculate the letters target a mix of trade allies and competitors — possibly including China, Vietnam, Mexico, Canada, and European Union nations — demanding concessions on tariffs, trade imbalances, and non-tariff barriers that disadvantage American producers.

Trump’s message is clear: time is up. Countries that have benefited from favorable access to the U.S. market are being forced back to the negotiating table under threat of retaliatory tariffs. It’s a risky game of economic brinkmanship — but one Trump and his supporters believe America is well-positioned to win.

“We Hold All the Cards”

E.J. Antoni, Chief Economist at the Heritage Foundation, joined Fox Business to discuss the implications of Trump’s trade push. “All of these nations are realizing they need us much more than we need them,” Antoni said. “In these negotiations, we hold all the cards.”

Antoni noted that countries such as Canada and Vietnam have already begun making concessions in recent months. And with the July 9 deadline approaching, he expects even more nations to fold under pressure.

“This is about reducing the barriers they put on our goods — tariffs, regulations, red tape — and increasing demand for American exports,” Antoni explained. “And more exports mean more jobs and higher wages for American workers.”

That aligns with a major tenet of Trump’s second-term agenda: boosting the demand for American labor. Unlike previous free trade efforts focused on lowering costs for consumers, Trump’s vision is unapologetically nationalist — aiming to repatriate manufacturing, restore industrial power, and reward domestic employment.

The Economic Engine: “Jet Fuel” for Growth

Much of the administration’s confidence stems from the passage of its new economic legislation, a nearly 900-page bill aimed at propelling growth and neutralizing upcoming tax hikes. White House economic adviser Kevin Hassett described it as “jet fuel for the U.S. economy,” predicting growth far beyond the 3% levels seen in Trump’s earlier term.

“Last time we gave you $6,000 in your pocket — this time we’re looking at more than $10,000,” Hassett told Fox Business. The bill includes deepened deductions for small businesses, increased investment incentives, and spending caps aimed at limiting government expansion.

While some economists criticize the bill’s complexity and lack of clarity in certain provisions, the broad consensus from conservative analysts is that it will be a net positive for the economy. E.J. Antoni acknowledged the bill is far from perfect — “not the one I would have written,” he admitted — but still hailed it as a “necessary and positive move.”

“Most importantly, it avoids a $4 trillion tax hike on the middle class that was scheduled for next year,” Antoni said. “That alone is a huge win.”

A Job Market Defying Expectations

Meanwhile, America’s labor market continues to defy doomsayers. In a recent jobs report, the U.S. economy beat expectations with strong growth numbers. Notably, all net job gains came from full-time employment — a critical distinction that signals real, sustainable economic activity rather than temporary or part-time booms.

Stephen Miran, another White House economist, emphasized how Trump’s policies have consistently outperformed the forecasts of establishment economists. “He beat 78 out of 79 top economists in job predictions,” Miran said. “The president is proving the experts wrong, again and again.”

The revised figures from the previous two months further reinforced the trend, with upward corrections indicating continued momentum. The White House has seized on these numbers as proof that its economic playbook is working — and as justification for its aggressive trade strategy.

Critics Push Back

Not everyone is celebrating. Critics warn that Trump’s trade letters and tariff threats could provoke retaliation and instability. “You can’t strong-arm allies forever,” said one anonymous diplomat. Others worry that unilateral tariffs could raise consumer prices or disrupt supply chains.

Still, the administration appears undeterred. Trump has made clear that fairness and reciprocity are non-negotiable. If foreign nations want access to the vast U.S. consumer base, they must play by new rules.

“This isn’t isolationism — it’s realism,” one senior official said. “We’re not cutting off trade, we’re making it fair.”

What Comes Next?

All eyes are now on Monday, when the White House is expected to formally unveil the 12 trade letters. Some may be merely stern warnings. Others could impose immediate tariffs. A few might even hint at broader trade agreements in the works.

What’s certain is that President Trump is staking a massive political and economic bet on the idea that the United States, wielding its market size and manufacturing revival, can force a fairer global playing field. Whether the gamble pays off remains to be seen — but for now, markets are surging, factories are hiring, and middle America is beginning to feel the ripple effects of an economic policy that prioritizes them.

In a world long dominated by multilateral trade deals and technocratic diplomacy, Trump’s style is anything but conventional. But for his supporters, that’s exactly the point.

As E.J. Antoni summed it up: “This is not just good for Wall Street — it’s good for Main Street. And in the long run, that’s how you build a strong, lasting economy.”