Trump finding old friends, allies turning into enemies

The Republican Party’s traditional image as a friend of business took a hit today as the U.S. Chamber of Commerce rolled out a major campaign against the party leader’s trade policies.

The same day, his long-time lawyer, who recently said he would do anything to protect the president, had a change of heart.

Reuters reported in an exclusive today that the nation’s largest business group is unveiling a state-by-state analysis arguing that President Trump is risking a global trade war that will hit the wallets of U.S. consumers.

Many Canadian tariffs, imposed as a reaction to U.S. moves, went into effect on Sunday, expected to affect $12.6 billion worth of American goods until Washington relents.

“The administration is threatening to undermine the economic progress it worked so hard to achieve,” said U.S. Chamber of Commerce President Tom Donohue in a statement to Reuters. “We should seek free and fair trade, but this is not the way to do it.”

The tariffs are definitely having an impact in Nebraska, specifically soybean exports to China, our largest customer. China is expected to impose a new 25-percent tax on soybeans this month, Mexico is adding duties to pork imports, the EU is imposing penalties on 43.2 billion in American exports such as bourbon and, yes, Harley Davidson motorcycles.

Meanwhile, Michael Cohen, most noted for alleged role in the Stormy Daniels affair and who tweeted in April “I will always protect my POTUS,” walked back that support today.

“My wife, my daughter and my son have my first loyalty and always will,” he told ABC News. Federal agents raided his home and hotel room as part of a probe into his personal business dealings.

Cohen said he would seek advice from his new lawyer if he faces any charges in the case.