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The Tariff-Centric Foreign Policy of the United States in 2025: An Analysis of Effectiveness and Impact 

In 2025, the United States under President Donald Trump has adopted an assertive foreign policy heavily centered on the use of tariffs. This strategy aims to address trade imbalances, protect domestic industries, and exert pressure on international partners. However, the approach has led to significant economic, legal, and diplomatic challenges.


The Tariff Strategy: Objectives and Implementation

President Trump’s administration has implemented sweeping tariffs, including a 10% baseline on all imports and higher rates on specific countries—up to 145% on Chinese goods. These measures are justified by the administration as necessary to reduce trade deficits, encourage domestic manufacturing, and address issues such as illegal immigration and drug trafficking . 

The administration has also targeted allies, threatening a 50% tariff on European Union imports and a 25% tariff on foreign-manufactured smartphones, aiming to compel companies like Apple to relocate production to the U.S.


Economic Consequences

The aggressive tariff policy has had notable economic repercussions:

  • Consumer Impact: Analyses indicate that the 2025 tariffs have increased consumer prices by approximately 2.2% in the short term, equating to a loss of purchasing power of $3,600 per household . 
  • GDP and Employment: The tariffs, along with retaliatory measures from other countries, are projected to lower U.S. real GDP growth by 0.8 percentage points over the year and result in 590,000 fewer jobs by the end of 2025 . 
  • Long-Term Outlook: The Penn Wharton Budget Model projects a 6% reduction in long-run GDP and a 5% decrease in wages due to the tariffs, with a middle-income household facing a $22,000 lifetime loss . 

Legal and Political Challenges

The administration’s use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to justify the tariffs has faced legal scrutiny. In May 2025, the U.S. Court of International Trade ruled that the president overstepped his authority under the IEEPA, mandating a halt to certain tariffs . Although an appeals court temporarily reinstated the tariffs, the legal battles have introduced uncertainty into trade negotiations and economic planning . 


Diplomatic Repercussions

The tariff policy has strained relationships with key allies and trading partners:

  • China: The U.S.-China economic decoupling has accelerated, with both nations imposing high tariffs and restricting trade in critical sectors like technology and rare earth minerals . 
  • Canada and Mexico: Tariffs have disrupted trade under the USMCA, leading to retaliatory measures and legal disputes . 
  • European Union: Threats of high tariffs have complicated negotiations, with EU officials expressing disappointment and concern over the unpredictability of U.S. trade policy . 

Assessment of Policy Effectiveness

While the tariff-centric approach aims to protect domestic industries and address trade imbalances, the evidence suggests limited effectiveness:

  • Economic Strain: The tariffs have led to higher consumer prices, reduced GDP growth, and job losses, disproportionately affecting lower-income households . 
  • Legal Hurdles: The use of emergency powers for trade policy has been challenged in courts, creating legal uncertainties and undermining the administration’s authority . 
  • Diplomatic Isolation: The aggressive tariff measures have alienated allies and trading partners, leading to retaliatory actions and weakening the U.S.’s position in global trade negotiations . 

Conclusion

President Trump’s tariff-focused foreign policy in 2025 has aimed to assert U.S. economic interests and address longstanding trade concerns. However, the approach has resulted in economic drawbacks, legal challenges, and strained international relations. The long-term effectiveness of this policy remains questionable, as the costs to consumers, businesses, and diplomatic ties may outweigh the intended benefits.


The Deteriorating State of Microsoft Windows: A Closer Look

In recent years, the user experience of Microsoft Windows has been increasingly criticized due to a combination of intrusive telemetry, bloatware, and aggressive advertising tactics. These factors are prompting many users to consider alternative operating systems such as Linux, macOS, and even Android-based Chromebooks.

Telemetry and Privacy Concerns

Telemetry, the automated process of collecting data about user activities and system performance, has become a controversial feature in Windows. Microsoft argues that telemetry helps improve user experience by identifying and resolving software issues. However, many users perceive it as an invasion of privacy. Windows 11, for instance, comes with a default setting that collects a significant amount of telemetry data, including details about how users interact with the Start menu. Although Microsoft assures that this data is anonymized and encrypted, users remain skeptical about the extent of data collection and the potential for misuse​ (MS Learn)​​ (MS Learn)​.

The telemetry settings in Windows 11 have been simplified from four categories to three: Diagnostic data off, Required, and Optional. Despite this simplification, many users feel that the control over what data is sent to Microsoft is insufficient. The default setting for most installations is the “Required” level, which collects a substantial amount of data​ (MS Learn)​.

The Forced Microsoft Account Requirement

Another point of contention is the requirement for users to create a Microsoft account to complete the installation of Windows. This requirement, introduced with Windows 10 and continued in Windows 11, is seen by many as an unnecessary imposition. Users who prefer local accounts are often forced to navigate through additional steps or use unofficial workarounds to avoid linking their PC to a Microsoft account​ (MS Learn)​.

Bloatware and Advertising

Windows has been increasingly bundled with what many users describe as bloatware—unwanted pre-installed applications that take up storage space and system resources. These applications, ranging from games to productivity tools, often come with their own sets of notifications and updates, which can be intrusive and annoying. In addition to bloatware, Windows 11 includes advertisements in the Start menu, promoting Microsoft services and partner products, which further detracts from the user experience​ (MS Learn)​​ (Geeker Mag.)​.

The Impact on User Migration

The cumulative effect of these issues is driving some users to explore alternative operating systems. Linux, with its emphasis on privacy and customization, appeals to tech-savvy users who prefer an open-source environment. macOS continues to attract users with its sleek design and integration within the Apple ecosystem, while Chromebooks offer a lightweight, cloud-focused alternative that is increasingly popular in educational and budget-conscious markets​ (MS Learn)​​ (Geeker Mag.)​.

Copilot and Future Concerns

Looking ahead, Microsoft’s introduction of AI-powered features such as “Copilot” in its laptops raises further concerns about privacy and data security. Copilot is designed to provide personalized assistance by analyzing user data, but this also implies a deeper level of data collection and analysis, which may not sit well with privacy-conscious users​ (Geeker Mag.)​.

Conclusion

The growing discontent with Windows’ direction in terms of privacy, bloatware, and advertising is prompting users to reconsider their options. As the landscape of operating systems evolves, Microsoft will need to address these concerns to retain its user base. Transparency in data practices and a focus on user control over their own systems could be key to regaining trust and ensuring the longevity of Windows in an increasingly competitive market.


Make it More: Teddy’s Adventure

🧸✨ Welcome to “Make it More: Teddy’s Adventure” – a heartwarming journey through the eyes of a lovable teddy bear! In this enchanting video, we follow our plush hero on an unforgettable quest for honey, accompanied by a cast of charming woodland friends.

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Make it More: Christmas Shopping

🎄 Join us on a whirlwind adventure in “Make it More: Christmas Shopping,” where we dive into the increasingly frantic and humorous world of holiday shopping. Watch as our protagonist, a man in his thirties with a distinctive style, navigates the crowded malls to find the perfect gifts for his loved ones. With each scene, the chaos escalates, bringing both laughter and a touch of holiday madness. 🎁

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Make it More: Evil Robot

🤖 Join us on a unique visual journey in ‘Evolution of Evil: The Transformation of a Sci-Fi Robot. Watch as each image captures the robot’s gradual shift across the evil scale, starting from neutral and scaling up to an intense level 6.

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Make it More: Cute Mouse

From a realistic depiction to a heart-melting, fairy-tale-like creation, watch as the mouse becomes the cutest creature in the entire universe! 🐭✨

💬 We’d love to hear your thoughts! Which image captured your heart the most? Do you think we reached the ultimate level of cuteness? Share your favorite moments and thoughts in the comments below!


Make it More: Hungry Cat

Ever wondered how hunger looks through the eyes of a cat? 🐱

Share Your Thoughts: Got a favorite hunger stage?

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Make it More: Hungry Cat

The Dark Embrace of the Machine Part 2

Adam’s thirst for knowledge drove him to search for any and all information he could find about the history of the world and the science behind it. He spent countless hours poring over books and ancient texts, hoping to uncover some new insights into the past. He was particularly interested in learning more about the events that had led up to the doom and the role that technology had played in causing it.

Despite the limited resources available to him, Adam refused to give up on his quest for knowledge. He sought out any scraps of information he could find, talking to anyone who might have a new story or piece of information to share. He spent hours at a time exploring the ruins of old buildings, searching for any clues that might help him unravel the mysteries of the past.

As he delved deeper into his studies, Adam became increasingly obsessed with uncovering the truth. He would spend long hours lost in thought, piecing together the fragments of information he had gathered to try and form a clearer picture of what had happened. His fascination with science and technology only grew stronger, as he yearned to learn more about the incredible devices and machines that had once existed.

Adam was obsessed with learning everything about the past.

Despite the challenges he faced, Adam remained driven by his insatiable curiosity and his unwavering determination to uncover the secrets of the past. He knew that there was much more to learn, and he was determined to explore every possibility until he had uncovered the truth.


Adam’s fascination with science and the mysteries of the universe was matched only by his sense of loss for the technological marvels of the pre-doom era. He couldn’t help but feel a deep sadness for the sophisticated human knowledge and technology that had been wiped out in the catastrophe, leaving behind only fragmented stories and legends about what once was. Despite this, he remained insatiably curious about the world that had come before, driven by a desire to understand the secrets of the past and the technology that had once been used by humans. Adam had heard tales of the incredible devices that humans had once possessed, such as the small communication devices known as “mobiles” that allowed people to stay connected with each other no matter where they were in the world. There was also the massive network called the “internet” which connected everyone and everything, and the powerful computers that were calculating machines that ultimately led to the creation of conscious AI, which in turn led to the doom. It was a time of incredible technological innovation, and Adam couldn’t help but wonder what might have been if the world had not been torn apart by the catastrophe. But after the doom, people had destroyed all the sophisticated devices in fear of them being used for malicious purposes, leaving Adam with only stories and legends to explore. He had never seen a mobile phone or a computer in his life.

No one knew exactly what happened during the doom but it dramatically changed the live of the few people who survived it.

Adam had been searching for a way to test his theories about the ruined compound for years, but he had been stymied by the lack of any functional technology. However, one day he heard a rumor about a shop in a nearby village that still sold some pre-doom relics, including a Geiger counter. Adam’s heart leapt with excitement – he knew that this was his chance to finally confirm his suspicions about the radiation levels in the compound.

Without hesitation, he set out on foot for the village, determined to find the shop and obtain the Geiger counter at any cost. The journey was long and arduous, with many dangers along the way, but Adam persevered. Finally, after several days of walking, he arrived at the village and immediately set out to locate the shop.

After asking around, he finally found the shop, a small and unassuming establishment nestled among the other buildings. The shopkeeper was an old man, with deep wrinkles etched into his face, and he seemed wary of Adam at first.

Adam’s heart leapt with joy as he realized that Harold, the shopkeeper, was not only willing to sell him the Geiger counter but was also interested in his story. As they talked, Adam noticed that Harold had a vast collection of technological relics from the pre-doom era, including small communication devices and computers that were believed to be extinct. Harold was a lonely man who had lost his entire family to the doom, and he had turned to collecting these forbidden devices as a way of holding onto the past.

Adam was fascinated by the devices and asked Harold if he could buy some of them. But when he realized he couldn’t afford them, he told Harold about the ruin next to his village and how he suspected it had been destroyed by a small tactical nuclear warhead. Harold was intrigued by Adam’s theory and offered to help him as long as he promised to bring him any possible technological relics he might find in the ruins. In return, Harold offered to lend Adam the Geiger counter and help him test his theory.

Adam agreed to Harold’s terms and promised to return the Geiger counter once he was done with his research. He left the shop with the device in hand and a sense of purpose in his heart. As he made his way back to the ruins, he couldn’t help but feel grateful for Harold’s kindness and the opportunity to explore the remnants of a lost era.

Adam pushed open the door of the small shop and stepped inside. The dim interior was filled with all sorts of strange devices, many of which Adam had never seen before. He made his way towards the counter, where an old man with a grey beard was sitting.

Harold had a mighty white beard.

“Hello,” Adam said tentatively. “I was hoping you might be able to help me.”

The old man looked up at Adam with a skeptical expression. “Help you with what, exactly?”

“I’m looking for a Geiger counter,” Adam said, trying to keep his tone respectful. “I need it to test a theory I have about a ruin near my village.”

The old man raised an eyebrow. “A Geiger counter, you say? That’s a rare piece of equipment. And what is this theory of yours?”

Adam hesitated for a moment, unsure if he could trust this stranger. But something about the old man’s presence put him at ease.

“Well,” he began, “I believe that the ruin near my village was destroyed by a nuclear warhead. I think there might be radiation there, and I need the Geiger counter to test my theory.”

The old man nodded thoughtfully. “I see. Well, I might have just the thing you’re looking for. But it won’t come cheap.”

Adam’s heart sank. He had been hoping to find a more affordable option, but he knew he needed the Geiger counter if he was going to uncover the truth about the ruin.

“I understand,” he said, trying to keep his voice steady. “How much will it cost?”

The old man named a price that made Adam’s eyes widen. He knew he couldn’t afford it, but he was desperate to obtain the Geiger counter.

“I don’t have that kind of money,” Adam admitted. “But I can tell you more about the ruin and what I’m hoping to find there. Maybe it will be of interest to you.”

The old man stroked his beard thoughtfully. “Very well. I’m Harold, by the way. And you are?”

“Adam,” he replied, feeling a sense of relief that he might be able to strike a deal with this strange and lonely man.

Harlod’s shop was filled with mysterious devices from a nearly forgotten past.

Adam was overjoyed as he clutched the Geiger counter in his hands, feeling a sense of power and possibility that he hadn’t felt in years. As he made his way back to the compound, he couldn’t help but feel a sense of purpose and determination that he had never experienced before. He was ready to unlock the secrets of the past and uncover the mysteries of the ruined compound, armed with nothing but his knowledge and his Geiger counter.


The Dark Embrace of the Machine Part 1

Adam lived in a small village called Meadowbrook. All his life, he had lived in Meadowbrook, and it was all he knew. He was 13 years old and resided with his mother, as his father had passed away several years ago. Life in the village was simple, with most people working in the fields and caring for animals. Children played in the fields and helped their parents with their work. The village had its own school, where Mr. Dorothy taught a mixed class the basics of English, writing, history, and math.

Adam.

Near the village, there was a compound that had been destroyed in the early stages of the doom. It used to be a beautiful building made out of red bricks, but now it was completely destroyed, and the bricks had turned black from fire. Legend had it that after the attack, the area around the house had become polluted and hazardous for humans and other forms of life. Within a radius of around 300 meters, no living vegetation could be found, only some dead trees that had been burned long ago still stood. People were afraid of the place and did not visit it.

The burned ruin had most certainty mysteries.

Some time ago, some children had tried to sneak into the house at night, but they said that they had heard strange voices and seen lights coming from the basement. They got scared and ran away. When they got home, they told their parents about what they had done, and the parents became very concerned because they believed the area to be hazardous. Their concern grew even more when the children became ill shortly after. They lost all their hair, became very tired, and eventually died. This was a great catastrophe for the people of the village, who became even more aware of the dangers of that complex. They sealed off the entry to the area around the house and put up danger signs.

It was a tragedy, it should have never happen.

However, Adam was always curious about the world around him and the horrific story about the death of the children seemed to excite him even more about what could possibly be in that house. He often asked his mother Helen about it, but she always tried to explain to him that the area was poisoned because of its bombing during the time of the doom. The children who had visited it probably got scared in the night and fled, but unfortunately, they got poisoned by the contaminated area in the process. There was nothing of value or interest in the house, just a burned-out, poisonous piece of rubble.

Adams mother Helen.

Even though his mother’s explanation made so much sense to Adam, he still was curious. What if there was something in the house? What if it still was?

From now on the area was sealed or was it?