Is Trump riding the tiger of self-destruction?

Opinion. The views expressed are the author’s own.

This column was submitted on July 19, 2026.

What does it mean “riding the tiger”? Well I have heard it said that it means being involved in risky or dangerous situation that is difficult to exit safely. Clearly not a place for the average person to be in right? Well is President Trump a average person or does he have the Tiger by the Tail and is in control?

Last February America entered the Middle Easts Political Stream in a big way, lobbing rockets and shells into Iran in self defense of course. Along side their Financial and Political ally Israel an effort had been made to strong arm the Iranian Leadership into complying with President Trumps wishes. When the Iranians refused America attacked not just a few military targets but actual Iranian Leadership in Tehran itself. Death and destruction followed as America tried to cripple Iran’s Revolutionary Guard and Leadership, even assassinating key Iranian political targets. The fiasco within the Strait of Hormuz followed placing international transport on a stand still within this important energy based region. This “war” continues today as Israeli Forces in Lebanon try to eliminate Hezbollah and Hamas Forces,

The Tiger President Trump is riding may very well also be the Imperial Republic of Communist China. Always at economic and diplomatic war, these two “Titans” challenge each other for some form of superiority upon the other. Now its one thing to take Iran on politically and militarily but China is a whole new ball game. China has one of the largest Armed Forces on the planet, third largest Navy and the largest Air Force in Asia. A battle for say Taiwan could be catastrophic for American Forces as China has one of the largest collection of Nuclear Subs in Asia as well. What could China do to effect and manipulate America and the West?

China owns or has controlling interests in hundreds of thousand of Western Corporations and firms within the media, energy, technological and scientific communities. With one order all these firms could be shut down or used to create chaos within most nations. Many of their employee’s were members of The PLA, and therefore may have allegiance to China above and beyond their Western Hosts.

A 5th Column exists established within most continents who hold positions in important firms, public services and even the military. Through regular immigration and migration patterns and work fair programs usually in the scientific community. They are here waiting prepared to act in China’s behalf as saboteurs and provocateurs. Disruption and the creation of chaos is the name of the game.

Super Power Competition is the true meaning of riding the tiger, and is America doing it right? China has all the Aces and much of the world owes its financial soul to the Imperial Chinese Government. Trumpian Power can only last so long as it faces off with a group of players who play the long game. China, Iran, North Korea, Russia all have a historical passion for the long game. President Trump acts spontaneously, While his enemies see the long term goal, power through lasting attrition. America will suffer defeat upon defeat as the Axis of Evil described long ago continues its economic-political and social process. China has the financial power, international influence and military might to challenge an American Diplomatic-Military move in Asia, Africa and Beyond.

Is President Trump and America in a situation of peril? Imagine America fighting a 2-3 front war? Not unimaginable? Dealing with a Super Powers like China and Russia, while dealing with North Korea, many nations in Africa including South Africa? South Africa is said to owe its financial soul to the Chinese. How will they repay their debt? America is in a fine mess, all because the Trump Administration cannot respond to any crisis without first thinking their response out logically. before reacting.

In the poker game of diplomatic schemes China holds many of the best cards. Patient, carefully thinking out its responses China can gain total control of entire continents such as Africa. Will America lose the A.I., trade and strategic military options war? You need to patiently watch the entertainment coming out of Washington DC these days and hope for the best, but prepare for the worst to come.

Steven Kaszab lives in Bradford, Ont.