Trump's tactics: Economic tools and legal threats in a power play

Donald Trump has returned to office wielding two formidable weapons: tariffs and lawsuits. Since the US president's comeback in 2025, he has sought to stifle dissent and punish his perceived enemies through these contentious practices.

Tariffs, a tactic heavily employed during his first term from 2017 to 2021, have made a grand return, this time with Trump adopting a much more aggressive stance.

Beginning with a trade war against China and duties on steel and aluminum, Trump has escalated these efforts in his latest term, imposing broad-based tariffs that appear less about economic rationale and more about retribution against those who disagree with him.

However, the fallout from these tariffs has not been one of unqualified success. Major allies such as France, Canada, and Britain have begun to pivot away from the United States, forming new trade alliances with China and other countries. Such shifts reflect the backlash against Trump's uncompromising trade policies, revealing vulnerabilities in America's long-standing economic dominance.

But tariffs are not the only arrow in Trump's quiver.

Lawsuits emerge as another instrument in his arsenal to silence critics. The Trump administration has recently launched a legal battle against Harvard University, seeking a staggering $1 billion in damages.

This move follows accusations that the prestigious institution not only advances a "woke" agenda but also neglects the safety of Jewish students amid pro-Palestinian protests. The ensuing legal complaints have drawn critique as a coercive tactic intended to intimidate liberal universities.

This trend has not been limited to Harvard. Ivy League counterpart Columbia University agreed to a $200 million settlement, promising to adhere to regulations that prevent consideration of race in admissions and hiring decisions.

Similarly, the University of Pennsylvania bowed down to Trump's administration by declaring a ban on transgender women from competing in women’s sports. These settlements signal a growing pressure campaign against academic institutions seen as opposing Trump's policies.

As tensions escalate, Trump’s ire recently turned towards South African comedian Trevor Noah, who, during the recent 68th Grammy Awards, linked Trump to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein in his joke.

Trump has now threatened lawsuit against the comedian who has a knack for blending humour with pointed commentary.

Given Trump’s aggressive tactics, it may well be time for the South African government to consider deploying similar strategies in response to his unfounded assertions regarding a so-called "white genocide" occurring within our bord