THE EMPEROR HAS NO CLOTHS
(Published on curacao.nu on the 5th of April 2025)
WILLEMSTAD – In his opinion contribution "The Emperor Has No Clothes", Paul Stokkermans draws a sharp parallel between the well-known fairy tale by Hans Christian Andersen and the economic policy of US President Donald Trump. Based on the story in which no one dares to admit that the emperor is actually naked, Stokkermans outlines how Trump's introduction of trade tariffs is also based on appearances and political peer pressure. While economists warn of harmful effects and adverse consequences for farmers, consumers and businesses become visible, Trump is holding on to a political story that is mainly based on pride and fear of loss of face, according to Stokkermans. As in the fairy tale, the truth ultimately seems inevitable, but the emperor refuses to change course.
By | Paul Stokkermans
The famous fairy tale “The Emperor's New Clothes” by Hans Christian Andersen tells the story of an emperor who is deceived by cheaters who sell him invisible clothes. For fear of being considered stupid or unsuitable, no one dares to admit that the emperor is actually naked, until a child speaks the truth. This fairy tale has striking parallels to Donald Trump's economic policy, in particular his introduction of trade tariffs.
In the fairy tale, the emperor is obsessed with his appearance and status. Similarly, Trump is determined to demonstrate his economic nationalism by imposing high import tariffs on the rest of the world. He presents this as a powerful policy to protect the U.S. economy and restore jobs. Just as the emperor believed his new clothes would prove his greatness, Trump believes the tariffs will show his power and decisiveness as a leader.
The weavers in the fairy tale tell the emperor and his court that the fabric is only visible to those who are smart and capable. This creates a fear of telling the truth. In Trump's case, a similar dynamic is being created around import tariffs. Despite warnings from economists that trade rates often backfire, the government continues to claim that they will benefit the U.S. economy. Just as the emperor's courtiers went along with the illusion for fear of losing face, many Republican politicians and businessmen remain silent for fear of being labeled 'unpatriotic' and thus losing their privileged position within the center of power.
In “The Emperor's New Clothes” social pressure plays a major role. No one wants to be the first to admit that the emperor is naked. This reflects how Trump's economic policy remains undisputed within his political supporters. Critics of the tariffs are often dismissed as opponents of 'America First' or 'Make America Great Again'. This creates an environment in which misinformation and economically harmful policies can continue, simply because no one wants to be the first to sound the alarm.
In the fairy tale, it is ultimately a child who speaks the truth. In the same, the negative effects of the tariffs are ultimately undeniable. Farmers suffer turnover losses due to countermeasures from other countries, consumers pay higher prices for imported items and American companies are faced with rising production costs due to more expensive imported raw materials and parts. In the fairy tale, the emperor, despite the truth, continues with his parade. In the same way, Trump continues to insist that his rates are a success, despite growing evidence to the contrary. He selectively refers to positive economic indicators and ignores negative signals such as the decrease in exports and price increases. Even now that experts and affected sectors are very worried, he is holding on to his train of thought.
The fairy tale “The Emperor's New Clothes” is a timeless story about blind trust, group thinking and the power of social pressure. The introduction of Trump's trade tariffs follows a similar pattern: a policy measure that is mainly driven by political pride and stubbornness. Only when the harsh reality becomes visible can the (negative) consequences no longer be ignored. Just as the emperor ultimately could not deny that he was in fact wearing no clothes.
THE EMPEROR HAS NO CLOTHS