---
title: "Policy Pulse — Trump/US — 21 Aug 2026"
ticker: "F:GM:TSLA:X:AA:WMT:HD:LOW:DJT:HOOD:BK:COIN"
date: "2026-08-21"
tags: ["policy-pulse","us-only","tariffs","canada","crypto"]
summary: "Canada trade deal deadline looms with 50% Section 338 tariffs set for Aug 22; deal very close with auto tariffs potentially cut to 15%; Trump hosts crypto summit, DJT Truth API generating revenue"
model: "deepseek-chat"
---

## US-Canada Trade Deal Deadline Looms (Section 338 Tariffs)

President Trump's 50% tariffs on $20 billion of Canadian goods under Section 338 of the Tariff Act of 1930 are set to take effect at 12:01 a.m. ET on Saturday, August 22, 2026, unless a final trade agreement is reached. Canadian Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc stated on August 21 that negotiations are "very close" after extended meetings with USTR Jamieson Greer in Washington.

**Key Deal Terms Under Discussion:**
- Canadian auto tariffs could fall from 25% to 15%
- Steel and aluminum tariffs potentially reduced to 25% from current levels
- Canadian retaliatory tariffs on US goods may be removed
- The 50% Section 338 tariffs on alcohol, dairy, and non-automotive products would be averted

This marks the first use of Section 338 (a 1930 Great Depression-era law) in approximately 100 years. The tentative deal was announced by Trump on Truth Social on August 19, with a 3-day pause granted to finalize documentation.

| Stock | Impact | Reason |
|-------|--------|--------|
| F | 🟢 BUY | Ford benefits from reduced Canadian auto tariffs (25%→15%), preserving cross-border supply chain margins |
| GM | 🟢 BUY | GM's integrated North American operations gain from lower auto tariff burden |
| TSLA | 🟢 BUY | Tesla's Canadian market access improves with reduced tariff barriers |
| X | 🟢 BUY | US Steel gains from maintained protection but potential reduction in Section 232 tariffs to 25% |
| AA | 🟢 BUY | Alcoa benefits from stable Canadian aluminum trade flows |
| WMT | 🔴 SELL | Walmart faces pricing pressure if Canada retaliates; margins squeezed on cross-border goods |
| HD | 🔴 SELL | Home Depot's Canadian lumber/plywood imports face 50% tariff if deal fails |
| LOW | 🔴 SELL | Lowe's vulnerable to 50% tariffs on Canadian building materials (concrete, plywood) |
| COST | 🟡 HOLD | Costco's diversified sourcing provides cushion; watch for Canadian consumer sentiment impact |

## Trump Hosts White House Crypto Summit

President Trump hosted cryptocurrency industry leaders at the White House on August 20, 2026, to discuss the CLARITY Act and regulatory framework. Following the meeting, Bitcoin surged to $79,500 (up nearly 10% in 24 hours) as Treasury announced it would double long-term bond buybacks, injecting liquidity into markets.

**Key Developments:**
- CLARITY Act gaining momentum for transparent crypto regulations
- US Treasury expanding Trump Accounts investment options with low-cost index ETFs
- Spot Solana ETFs recorded $14.59 million inflows (largest in 3 weeks)

| Stock | Impact | Reason |
|-------|--------|--------|
| DJT | 🟢 BUY | Trump Media's Truth API already generating $60-100K/month per customer with 10+ customers signed; B2B revenue stream confirmed |
| HOOD | 🟢 BUY | Robinhood benefits from crypto trading volume surge and regulatory clarity hopes |
| BK | 🟢 BUY | Bank of New York Mellon positioned as custody provider for crypto ETFs |
| COIN | 🟢 BUY | Coinbase gains from increased institutional crypto adoption |
| MSTR | 🟢 BUY | Microstrategy's Bitcoin treasury strategy validated by price rally |

## Trump Media (DJT) Q2 2026 Earnings

Trump Media & Technology Group reported Q2 2026 results on August 20, showing a net loss of $238 million driven by $165 million in crypto-related volatility and operating expenses. However, the company confirmed its Truth API data feed launched August 1 is already generating recurring revenue.

**Key Metrics:**
- Truth API: 10+ customers signed at $60,000-$100,000/month each
- Cash and liquid investments: $400 million
- Bitcoin treasury: $1.2 billion
- Revenue: $1.7 million (up 89% YoY)

| Stock | Impact | Reason |
|-------|--------|--------|
| DJT | 🟡 HOLD | First meaningful B2B revenue from Truth API positive, but $238M loss and crypto volatility remain concerns; TAE merger pending |

## Market Close Context (August 20-21, 2026)

- **S&P 500**: -1.32% overnight (August 20) on trade uncertainty
- **Brent crude**: Above $93/barrel, on track for 5%+ weekly gain
- **10-year Treasury**: ~4.725% (+0.027)
- **US Dollar**: Steady ahead of tariff deadline