Dane Chapin, a long-time friend of columnist Bret Stephens, is a San Diego entrepreneur whose business, USAopoly, is severely affected by the Trump administration's tariffs on goods from China. Although Chapin initially supported Trump, he now regrets the administration's trade policy, which he believes jeopardizes the toy industry and the livelihoods of his 80 employees due to sudden and steep tariff increases. Despite valuing a tough approach on China, Chapin is frustrated by the inconsistent application of tariffs, which favor large tech companies over smaller American businesses. The tariffs have forced Chapin to halt production in China and consider drastic measures to avoid financial ruin, such as rerouting shipments and facing potential layoffs. He remains critical of the chaotic trade policy but does not regret his vote for Trump, viewing the Democratic alternatives as less favorable at the time of the election.

Dane Chapin's company, USAopoly, produces themed board games, with the majority manufactured in China due to cost efficiencies and a developed supply chain. The sudden increase in tariffs from 20% to 145% threatens to obliterate his business and the broader toy industry.

The tariffs have forced Chapin to stop all China-based production and may lead to rerouting shipments back to China to avoid the steep tariff, risking additional costs and potential layoffs among his 80 employees.

Chapin criticizes the Trump administration for making tariff exceptions for large tech companies, like Apple, but not for smaller businesses, which he believes are disadvantaged by the chaotic and random trade policy execution.

Although he disapproves of the current trade policy, Chapin does not regret his vote for Trump, feeling that the Democratic alternatives, particularly Biden and Harris, were less appealing due to perceived deception and anti-business policies.

Chapin's focus on the bottom line is not just about profit but ensuring the livelihoods of his employees, which he views as morally important, and he sees an opportunity for moderate Democrats to attract disaffected Trump voters through more business-friendly policies.

The heavy-handed imposition of tariffs aligns with Trump's often criticized governing style, marked by disregard for legality, procedure, and fairness, highlighting the consequences of empowering a president known for capricious decision-making.

Bret Stephens asserts that the economic chaos resulting from the tariffs should not be used to scold disappointed Trump voters but rather as a chance for Democrats to present a more appealing alternative by addressing business concerns.