Without a disciplined governance framework, short-term gains may come at the cost of future stability.

And so, America, Inc. CEO Donald Trump announced a series of tariffs aimed at reshaping US trade policies and addressing strategic governance failures of previous administrations. Dumbfounded at how America Inc. has been abused over and over again, he announced a 25 percent levy on imports from Mexico and Canada, a 60 percent tariff on Chinese goods, and a 20 percent tax on imports from other countries. The primary objectives are to encourage domestic production, create jobs and rectify trade imbalances. Typical purpose of tariff impositions. Economic Nationalism? To the America, Inc. CEO, it’s called common sense.

Economists are up in arms, stating the obvious to traditionalists that tariffs are a losing situation for both parties. Some strategists, however, see this as a brilliant move to renegotiate agreements that have been clouded over time. After all, one would think that CEO Trump and his whole economic team realize that tariffs are long term losses to all parties. North America hopes and prays this is merely a short-term tool designed to bridge the gaps that have widened, but temporary at that.

True to expectations, Mexico and Canada have literally begged for a settlement, enabling CEO Trump to do them a favor and give them a chance to make up. Amazing that Mexico once blatantly, proudly and stubbornly refused to spend one Mexican centavo to assist in border control efforts. Not anymore. After America, Inc. agreed to postpone the 25 percent tariff on Mexican imports for one month, Mexico will deploy 10,000 National Guard troops to strengthen border security and have aligned in America’s fight to lessen border fiasco. Imagine that….

Brilliant move, some say. You can surmise that Canada will be willing to renegotiate and ultimately serve the strategic objectives of America, Inc. And so America Inc. CEO Trump will one day claim that he successfully transformed competing neighbors to allied partners. The tables have turned. America, Inc. is a step closer to being great again.

You may recall his 1987 book, “The Art of the Deal,” where CEO Trump outlines key strategies for successful dealmaking. One of which involves using leverage effectively, understanding one’s strengths, and applying them to gain favorable outcomes. Additionally, the America Inc. CEO highlighted the necessity of building a strong reputation.

Too early to judge these moves, as only time will tell and the numbers come out. There may have been no choice after all. The US debt situation is head-shaking, the manufacturing industries have been murdered over time, new industries are in precarious situations as the world has been ultra-competitive in almost everything. The framework NEEDED a major revision. No shortcuts here.

In a nutshell, this strategic effort may have been necessary after all to rectify what is viewed as major shortcomings of previous governance policies. By leveraging the principles outlined in “The Art of the Deal,” the administration seeks to negotiate better terms for the US, protect domestic industries, and promote economic sustainability. While these actions carry certain risks, they underscore a commitment to reasserting America’s position in the global economy. Brilliant move? Necessary? Maybe both…

Reflection

Strategic governance is a complex, multi-layered process with no shortcuts. From the simplest internal policies and corporate objectives to the most impactful geopolitical and economic events, every element requires careful consideration. A well-governed organization follows a structured approach: diagnosing the current landscape, planning strategic initiatives, prioritizing key objectives, executing decisions effectively, and monitoring progress to ensure adaptability and sustainability.

This continuous cycle positions companies for long-term success, mitigating risks while enhancing value and profitability. Without a disciplined governance framework, short-term gains may come at the cost of future stability. By embedding strong governance principles into every decision, organizations can navigate challenges with foresight, ensuring resilience amid shifting global and market conditions. Strategic governance is not just about compliance; it is about building a sustainable, high-value enterprise that thrives over the long term while delivering lasting benefits to all stakeholders.