We should have seen this coming

THIS week, global stock markets suffered one of the most devastating crashes in modern history. Trillions of dollars were wiped out within hours. Entire economies trembled, investors panicked, and once-stable financial systems spiralled into uncertainty.

- CHRISTOPHER BUCKTIN

At the centre of the storm stands one man: Donald Trump.

To pretend this meltdown was unexpected would be disingenuous.

Trump's latest wave of trade wars, sweeping tariffs and policy whiplash was never about securing better deals for American workers or rebuilding domestic industry. This was personal, political and performative.

The moves weren't driven by economic strategy - they were fuelled by vengeance and a need for absolute control. And now, the world is paying the price.

But it’s hard to be surprised. Trump never concealed his intentions. He didn’t quietly plot chaos behind closed doors - he campaigned on it.

From the very beginning, he promised to shatter norms, punish enemies and upend alliances. He glorified dictators and mused openly about wielding unchecked power.