When Donald Trump ran for president, he campaigned on both dramatically increasing tariffs on America’s biggest trading partners and reducing the size of the federal government. On his first day in office, he signed a series of executive orders, including some aimed at cutting federal agencies. His administration has also pursued plans to privatize key government services, including the Postal Service, Medicare and the Department of Education.

In the video above, Straight Arrow News contributor Dr. Rashad Richey argues that Trump’s tariff policies and targeting of government agencies are intentionally driving the country into an economic crisis. He believes this strategy aims to privatize the entire federal government, a move he warns will harm most Americans.

The following is an excerpt from the above video:

You see, I believe their plan is much more diabolical than once assumed. Think about it: what president of the United States would literally do everything he could do in order to offend the very groups that elected him, from veterans to white males to white women, and the list goes on and on.

Thirty percent of the workers fired by Elon Musk and Trump at the VA (Veterans Affairs) are, in fact, veterans. He said he loved veterans. He’s also offending white women, who, once again, the majority of white women in America voted for Donald Trump, but they are also being fired, and now they have buyer’s remorse.

Why is he governing in such a way? Why is this happening? Well, the 25% tariffs against Canada, 25% tariffs against Mexico, the tariffs against China, and the list goes on. Well, remember, he’s currently taking dinners with CEOs and millionaires who are connected to these industries that are adversely affected by the tariffs. Why is he taking these meetings? Well, I believe he’s taking these meetings because these meetings will eventually turn into carve-outs for the tariffs, you understand, pay-to-stay kind of thing.

And what isn’t carved out will then be privatized. So what you’re likely looking at from the Department of Education, basically eliminating 50% of its workforce, talking about consolidating its facilities, you’re likely looking at a major attempt at privatization, not just elimination.