Steve Moore, a top economic mind, threw down the gauntlet Tuesday on “The Faulkner Focus,” telling host Harris Faulkner that nations bucking Trump’s tariffs are begging for pain. “They’re making a big mistake—a huge mistake—in thinking they can win a tit-for-tat game,” he said—conservatives nod, Trump’s not bluffing.

Trump doubled down that day, hiking tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum from 25 percent to 50 percent via Truth Social, effective Wednesday. Moore warned Canada, Mexico, and China: “Trump will not relent.” Republicans cheer—this is America First, and he’s swinging hard.

The spark? Ontario’s 25 percent electricity tariff on the U.S. Trump ordered Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick to retaliate—50 percent on Canadian metals—after their surcharge hit Michigan, Minnesota, and New York. Moore told Faulkner these nations can’t bully Trump; they’ll fold or bleed.

Moore’s not all-in on tariffs—“I’m not the hugest fan”—but he’s clear: defiance is suicide. “The Europeans have three times higher tariffs than we do,” he said. “Those have to come down.” Conservatives see a master play—Trump’s forcing fair trade, and weaklings will pay the price.

Canada blinked fast. Ontario Premier Doug Ford paused the surcharge Tuesday after Trump’s threat, averting the 50 percent hit—for now. Moore’s point stands: “If these countries think they can bully Trump, they’ve got it completely wrong.” Republicans say it’s proof—Trump wins.

Mexico’s on a leash too. Trump’s 25 percent tariff kicked in March 4, paused for a month Thursday after they deployed 10,000 border troops. China’s 20 percent tariff holds—fentanyl’s the target. Conservatives argue these nations can’t outlast Trump’s resolve; they’ll cave or crumble.

Stocks took a hit—S&P 500 down 2.7 percent Monday—but Moore’s unfazed. “This is a shot at the bow,” he echoed from January, signaling Trump’s tariffs mean business. Republicans see it as muscle—America’s market is gold, and Trump’s not scared to lock it down.

Trump’s track record backs the warning. His March 4 speech—82 percent approved—rolled out 25 percent tariffs on Canada and Mexico, 20 percent on China, slashing illegal crossings to 300 daily from Biden’s 10,000. Conservatives say nations crossing him now face a titan who delivers.

Moore’s voice carries weight—ex-Trump adviser, Heritage Foundation heavyweight. “That’s not a game they can win,” he told Faulkner. Republicans relish it—Canada’s backpedal shows Trump’s tariffs aren’t a bluff; they’re a battering ram for compliance.

America’s done playing nice. Moore’s warning isn’t theory—it’s a neon sign: defy Trump, and your economy’s toast. Conservatives stand firm—89 executive orders in 50 days prove he’s relentless, and nations better bow or brace for the fallout of crossing his line.