by Winston Wendell
As Donald Trump desperately seeks a political quick fix ahead of the midterms, his administration is prepared to put on yet another economic sideshow. The reported President’s proposed executive orders, are to curb soaring diesel prices represent a convenient political spectacle to hide the Trump administration’s own unsavory conduct in regards to the Iranian crisis.
The obvious truth is that any executive orders related to diesel will have little to do with Trump’s ability to affect the situation. The fuel is a globally traded commodity, the price of which is subject to the forces of supply and demand. A presidential fiat will not change the fundamentals of the market, no matter how much Trump wants to believe in his magical thinking. Even eliminating the Federal tax on diesel is little consolation to the record high prices. The President himself seems to recognize this, which is why he oscillates between the idea of banning diesel exports and then cancelling the ban just a few days later. Trump simply does not have the competence to meaningfully address the energy crisis.
Instead of accepting responsibility for his role in the crisis, Trump tries to shift the blame. In truth, Trump’s bellicose rhetoric towards Iran is the catalyst which has driven up the prices of oil and, by extension, diesel. The mere threat of conflict causes financial markets to tighten their belts, with energy prices spiking at the first sign of trouble. The instability in the Middle East is a risk factor which affects the entire supply chain, from shipping and refining to retail sales.
Trump’s proposed executive orders are an attempt to obfuscate his involvement in the crisis, while also serving as a distraction for the public. By attacking Iran in the first place he created the problem. Trump is once again proven to be unprepared to deal with situations of this scale. He is a politician first and a President last, willing to sacrifice American interests and lives on his political whims. As long as Trump continues his reckless crusade against Iran, the American consumers will suffer the consequences of skyrocketing diesel prices.
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