Opinion: Trump could wreck our economy but are we ready? [Video]

If ever a post on Twitter/X should strike fear into the very heart of Ireland, it is this one.

Written by Howard Lutnick, US President-elect Donald Trump’s pick for commerce secretary in the next administration, it delivers what amounts to a chilling warning.

He writes: “It’s nonsense that Ireland of all places runs a trade surplus at our expense. We don’t make anything here any more – even great American cars are made in Mexico.

“When we end this nonsense, America will be a truly great country again. You’ll be shocked!”

The sentiment is not new, and Trump himself rattled the sabres in his previous term, but there were steadier hands on the tiller around him, and common sense prevailed.

Now, though, Trump is surrounding himself with hawkish acolytes who, in his second and final term (well, until he attempts to change that rule too, because who would bet against it?) can create chaos without …