Trump’s Tariffs and the Trickster: A Psycho-Spiritual Reflection on Global Trade

Recently, headlines have been filled with controversy over tariffs implemented by U.S. President Donald Trump—moves that have stirred up significant turmoil in international markets. The prevailing reactions have often been loud and polarised, framing the issue as either economically regressive or a necessary act of protectionism.

But what might we discover if we pause for a moment and ask: What sense can we make of this from a psycho-spiritual perspective?

Let’s begin by looking at the broader context of global trade. There is a dominant narrative that paints global trade as inherently beneficial—one that promises growth, prosperity, and mutual development. And to be fair, global trade has lifted millions out of poverty and connected countries in ways never before imagined.

Yet, if one were to do even a cursory search online, a different picture begins to emerge. Critiques abound—some of them deeply troubling. Scholars and activists alike have pointed out the darker side of global trade: labour exploitation, especially in developing countries where cheap labour often means unsafe working conditions, long hours, and dismal wages. The term sweatshop is not a relic of the past—it’s a lived reality for many today (WTO, 2000; International Labour Organisation). Additionally, the environmental degradation resulting from mass production and unchecked consumption patterns can no longer be ignored (WWF, 2023).

With this context in mind, Trump’s imposition of tariffs, though politically controversial and economically disruptive, can be seen through a different lens—not merely as an act of aggression or protectionism, but perhaps as an expression of the archetype of the Trickster.

In mythology and Jungian psychology, the Trickster figure is not merely a joker or chaos-maker. Rather, the Trickster is one who disrupts norms, mocks the status quo, and forces the collective to wake up. They stir the pot—not always with grace—but with the potential to catalyze deep transformation. Carl Jung saw the Trickster as an essential figure for psychological growth, pushing us to confront blind spots in our personal and societal thinking (Jung, C. G. 1972.  Four Archetypes: Mother, Rebirth, Spirit, Trickster).

In this light, Trump—knowingly or not—may be embodying this role. By implementing tariffs, he disrupted the dominant narrative of free trade and forced the world to ask: Is this system as fair and sustainable as we thought? Are there voices and costs we’ve been ignoring? His actions, while not providing a comprehensive alternative, nonetheless open space for questioning.

For me, this psycho-spiritual lens is heartening. It softens the polarized, often moralistic conversations we have about global events and invites us into a more reflective space. It reminds us that what may appear chaotic or even destructive on the surface may carry a deeper invitation: to look again, to think critically, and perhaps to imagine new possibilities.

No, we may not have all the answers right now. And no, this perspective is not an endorsement of all policies or actions. But to begin by questioning—our assumptions, our economic systems, our biases—can be a powerful starting point.

And maybe, just maybe, that’s where change begins.