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June 15, 2026 — Peace? Prosperity? Perversion?

Check out this week’s blog post by IP attorney, author Timothy Trainer, host of the podcast and video show Tim’s Travails • Follow Tim on Substack

Images Sources (right) The New York Times, (below) BloombergNEF

We awake the morning of June 15, 2026, to news of some kind of deal between the U.S. and Iran to cease military hostilities. Does this mean peace? No one really knows and that includes the Criminal-in-Chief telling us he’s obtained a great agreement that, at the moment, seems to be short on the details (where the devil resides). The only thing that is somewhat certain is that we’ve entered a 60-day talking period. Thus, this isn’t a real peace. This is a temporary halt with the possibility of more military actions against Iran.

Despite the absence of details and the real possibility that we could return to hostilities by Labor Day, or sooner, if the Criminal-in-Chief changes his mind again, the markets in many countries shot upward on the announced development. With the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz about to occur and the flow of oil resuming, optimism of lower oil prices spurred markets with the hope that the global economy would slowly return to the new “normal” and companies will prosper (millions of consumers, well, maybe less so).

The world wants desperately to return to the pre-U.S./Israel-Iran war days. It is a return to a global environment when the U.S.’s Criminal-in-Chief created constant chaos by imposing tariffs, threatening to impose tariffs, threatening trade agreements, threatening to take over Greenland and undermining NATO. Indeed, after 100+ days of war and instability in the Middle East with soaring energy prices and the impact of those increased prices on the world’s economy, the acceptance of the perverse new normal is welcomed and embraced.

The embrace of this new normal, perverse as it may be, might be hiding something. Underneath the surface, most of the U.S.’s major global trading partners had already embarked on rethinking their global economic and trade relationships arising from the U.S.’s international trade policy disruptions. What is also clear is that the 100+ days of war and chaos in the Middle East prodded a few governments to rethink energy security strategies.

As we know, under this administration, U.S. government policy decisions at the federal level are made to undercut renewable energy projects. Indeed, the 80-year-old Criminal-in-Chief has directed $700 million to coal-fired power plants.

Trump announces $700M in new support for struggling coal industry – NBC4 Washington. The administration has also rescinded over $2 billion intended to support clean hydrogen projects. Trump’s cuts to billion-dollar hydrogen hubs rattle… | Canary Media. Some of the administration’s efforts to shut down funding for solar and wind energy projects have been reversed by the courts. US judge scraps Trump policy restricting wind, solar tax breaks | Reuters. These actions demonstrate the inability of this administration to evaluate and assess security issues given how critical energy security is to the nation’s overall security—beyond the military.

The irony is that the U.S.’s war of choice against Iran prompted some to look at how our economic adversaries, especially China, are considering actions to improve their energy security and reduce reliance on the Middle East. With China as the U.S.’s greatest economic competitor, it’s worth noting that China may become the country all look to for technology developments in the area of green hydrogen energy (remember, China leads everyone in the area of rare earth minerals processing). According to China’s 15^th Five-Year Plan, its objective is “Large scale green hydrogen use for coal substitution and green fuel production”. No, Iran War Won’t Boost Clean Hydrogen – Except in China | BloombergNEF.

The temporary end to hostilities between the U.S. and Iran returns the global economic environment to this perverse new “normal”, but with a twist. The U.S. Government seems blind to addressing energy security except to fund archaic energy sources like coal. Other governments are seeking to support new ways of reaching a higher level of energy security that reduces their dependence on the Middle East and on oil.

Given the attitudes of those in this administration, it is not a question of will we lose the race for energy-related technology and security but a question of how much of an advantage have we already surrendered.

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About the Timothy Trainer: Writing books is a passion for attorney Timothy Trainer, who for more than three decades focused on intellectual property issues in his day job. He has worked in government agencies and in the private sector, and his assignments have taken him to 60 countries around the world.

Tim found time to pen a few non-fiction tomes, including his first book, Customs Enforcement of Intellectual Property Rights; the 15th edition was published in 2022. Thomson Reuters’ Aspatore Books published Tim’s next title in 2015, Potato Chips to Computer Chips: The War on Fake Stuff. 

Fiction was a genre he always wanted to try. In 2019, Pendulum Over the Pacific, was released by Joshua Tree Publishing. “This political intrigue story is set in Tokyo and Washington, D.C., and centers on trade tensions between the U.S. and Japan in the late 1980s,” Tim explains.

In 2023, his first series hit bookstores: The China Connection.

In 2025, he published the sequel, The China Factor, which ranked #63 on the Amazon Asian Literature list in May.

Click here to learn about all of Tim’s books

Read

Meet Meilin Moy: An Interview with a character in “The China Connection,” a novel by Timothy Trainer

Interviewer: Ms. Moy, are you comfortable conducting this interview in English?

Ms. Moy: Very comfortable. My English is limited only in the book. The author has given me permission to be fluent in English for this interview. 

Interviewer: Knowing that The China Connection will receive an award in MWSA’s 2024 award season, it’s a pleasure to interview a character from an award-winning novel. As a character from the novel, how does it feel?

Ms. Moy: Well, it doesn’t mean much to me because I don’t really exist except on paper or on an ebook screen.

Interviewer: The author must’ve done a good job to receive any award, right?

Ms. Moy shrugging: I think he’s got lots of room for improvement but that’s just my opinion. He could’ve given my more lines, more scenes. You’d have to ask him what he thinks of the result.

Interviewer sensing a distant interviewee: What do you think about how you came across in The China Connection?

Ms. Moy takes a deep breath before responding: I wasn’t impressed by the way I first appeared in the book. I thought he could’ve done better. It worked out well in the end.

Interviewer: But aren’t you happy about having such a vital role in the overall story?

Ms. Moy listening to the question and answering without expression: Did you notice that I didn’t appear in the book until Chapter 4? When I finally appear in Chapter 4, I have no name. I felt like I wasn’t even as much as an afterthought. And look at me! I’m a figureless woman and he, the guy who created me, describes me as looking both boyish and bookish. How am I supposed to feel about that? It isn’t a very complimentary way of introducing me to the readers.

Interviewer taps his fingers on the arm of his chair thinking about his next question.  Eventually, you had a key role in the book. Wouldn’t you say that it was equal to being the main character in the book?

Ms. Moy scoffs before answering: You don’t realize how many conversations I had with the author to get him to understand the importance of my role. I give him a little credit for listening to my complaints.

Interviewer, leans forward in his chair: I don’t understand that. Can you provide examples.

Ms. Moy: How many would you like? There was that scene where he finally allowed me to show my martial arts skills. I had the author rewrite that scene several times before I told him he finally got that right.

Pausing, Ms. Moy shakes her head then continues. Then there’s a scene where I was supposed to meet with my father, Roger, and Aaron in the hotel lobby. Well, I decided that the story would be better served if I just took off and didn’t show up. Sure enough, after I forced the author to think about why I didn’t appear at the meeting, he chased me down and got things going again. I got the story back on track.

Interviewer chuckles. How often do you talk to the author?

Ms. Moy: I had to take him aside and talk to him often. Sometimes, he’d be listening to music, and I’d interrupt him or keep him up at night and wouldn’t let him go to sleep until he got my message.

Interviewer: Really? You’re the character, he’s the author. I can’t believe that you can just interrupt him anytime you want. Aren’t you starting to overstate your importance?

Ms. Moy: Oh please. Do you really think we let these writers have that much control over us? Me, Kaili, Roger, and other characters are competing for page space. We’re in his head about something all the time. We make sure he’s hearing voices. He’s like other authors. He gets stuck and needs a shove in the right direction with me or any of the other characters. Once he’s got me going in a particular direction, he can’t slam on the brakes and have me do something inconsistent or too far out of character. I have to keep him on the right path and do right by me. You should interview a couple of the other characters. They’ll confirm what I’m saying.

Interviewer: Uh-huh. Do you have any favorite and least favorite scenes from the novel?

Ms. Moy: Absolutely. Without giving things away, my least favorite is that scene where the balaclava was put over my head. It smelled like it had been in a dirty clothes bin for days or weeks. That was awful and I had to keep it on for several pages. Yuck. My two favorite scenes were at very different points in the story. Like I said, the scene where I had to have the author rewrite the scene where I show off my martial arts skill and then toward the end of the book on that jet foil with Liwei. The jet foil scene would be great for a movie because I’d be able to do what I did over and over in different takes. Unfortunately, in the book it was a one-time shot. I really enjoyed doing what the author had me do in that scene, but I can’t go into it any deeper or I’ll spoil it for those who haven’t read it.

Interviewer: Any future appearances in a novel?

Ms. Moy: Rumor has it that I’ll be in the next one.

Interviewer: Is it a reliable rumor?

Ms. Moy smiling: It’s more than a rumor. I’ve spent a lot of time in his head. He assures me that I get my page space.

Interviewer: Thank you and enjoy your future page appearances.      

The China Connection published in January 2023 (Bronze Award from the Military Writers Society of America)

The China Factor published December 2024 (Bronze Award from the Military Writers Society of America)

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About the Timothy Trainer: Writing books is a passion for attorney Timothy Trainer, who for more than three decades focused on intellectual property issues in his day job. He has worked in government agencies and in the private sector, and his assignments have taken him to 60 countries around the world.

Tim found time to pen a few non-fiction tomes, including his first book, Customs Enforcement of Intellectual Property Rights; the 15th edition was published in 2022. Thomson Reuters’ Aspatore Books published Tim’s next title in 2015, Potato Chips to Computer Chips: The War on Fake Stuff. 

Fiction was a genre he always wanted to try. In 2019, Pendulum Over the Pacific, was released by Joshua Tree Publishing. “This political intrigue story is set in Tokyo and Washington, D.C., and centers on trade tensions between the U.S. and Japan in the late 1980s,” Tim explains.

In 2023, his first series hit bookstores: The China Connection.

In 2025, he published the sequel, The China Factor, which ranked #63 on the Amazon Asian Literature list in May.

Click here to learn about all of Tim’s books.

Read

June 6, 2026 — Burden Sharing: Not So Much

Check out this week’s blog post by IP attorney, author Timothy Trainer, host of the podcast and video show Tim’s Travails • Follow Tim on Substack

Waking up on June 6, this page is blank. Memorial Day weekend is still visible in the rearview mirror when people in the United States remembered those who gave all in the defense of the country in all the wars that we have fought since the Civil War.

June 6 is different. It is a day when millions in many countries commemorate the day that thousands of allied troops stormed the beaches in France hoping that this would be the beginning of the end of the global war. Eighty-two years after D-Day, very few actual survivors of that day and that war remain.

In less than a month, the United States will celebrate 250 years since declaring its independence. Undoubtedly, there’ll be a lot of parades, fireworks and other celebrations. The flag will be the predominant symbol. We’ll see it on hats and other apparel, the flag will be fluttering in the breeze, hanging from lamp posts, fitted and displayed on front porches and in every other way imaginable. It’s the symbol of freedom.

Yet, interestingly, over the decades, the percentage of the U.S. population willing to bear the burden of serving in uniform to protect what millions profess to be our valued freedoms and rights has fallen.

As I write this on June 6, World War II likely marked the high point of service. With over 16 million serving in uniform, this represented 12 percent of the U.S. population.

Twelve percent of the U.S. population served in World War II. – History Facts. During the Vietnam War, despite its unpopularity, conscription (draft) resulted in roughly five percent of Americans serving in uniform. Statistics – Vietnam Veteran Project. Another source indicates that at the peak of the Vietnam War in 1968 about two percent of the U.S. population served on active duty. Which States Carry the Greatest Military Burden? | Security.org.

After the attacks in the U.S. on September 11, 2001, and despite the surge in military enlistments for the war on terror, today’s uniformed service members make up less than one (1) percent of the population. Which States Carry the Greatest Military Burden? | Security.org.

Like a sporting event, the sidelines are packed with flag-waving fans. I wouldn’t doubt that some shout in unison USA! USA! when they watch a clip of a US launched missile destroying a target. They’ll feel pride hearing news announcing that our troops have destroyed an enemy asset.

What 99% won’t see is the physical and mental price paid by those who are on the playing field wearing the uniform and doing the dangerous and life-threatening deeds.

Given all the solicitations to provide funding to help those who have served and suffered, do our commemorations of D-Day, Memorial Day and our celebrations on July 4 prod us to insist on better health care for those who do serve? Why are so many of the programs now in place to help veterans initiated by individuals and private or charitable organizations?

If we continue to have a system that places the burden of national defense on less than one percent of the population on active duty, it seems the rest of us should bear the burden of insisting that they are cared for through government programs that provide the physical and mental support necessary after they’ve served and sacrificed.

Any administration that wants over a trillion dollars for more weapons systems for wars of choice should be required to ensure that there are tens of billions made available for future care of those being placed in harm’s way.

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About the Timothy Trainer: Writing books is a passion for attorney Timothy Trainer, who for more than three decades focused on intellectual property issues in his day job. He has worked in government agencies and in the private sector, and his assignments have taken him to 60 countries around the world.

Tim found time to pen a few non-fiction tomes, including his first book, Customs Enforcement of Intellectual Property Rights; the 15th edition was published in 2022. Thomson Reuters’ Aspatore Books published Tim’s next title in 2015, Potato Chips to Computer Chips: The War on Fake Stuff. 

Fiction was a genre he always wanted to try. In 2019, Pendulum Over the Pacific, was released by Joshua Tree Publishing. “This political intrigue story is set in Tokyo and Washington, D.C., and centers on trade tensions between the U.S. and Japan in the late 1980s,” Tim explains.

In 2023, his first series hit bookstores: The China Connection.

In 2025, he published the sequel, The China Factor, which ranked #63 on the Amazon Asian Literature list in May.

Click here to learn about all of Tim’s books.

Watch

Listen Listen to the podcast on Inkandescent Radio June 2026, Ep14 Tim’s Travails: This month we raise a glass with wine industry expert Elyse Kudo, Vice President of the Spire Collection by Jackson Family Wines A tenured industry professional, Elyse Kudo specializes in relationship-building and networking and has an in-depth knowledge of fine wines and spirits, both imported and domestic. She is highly knowledgeable about food and wine integration, and her superpower is forecasting industry trends. Listen to this episode and hear her work her magic! Read

June 2026, Ep14 Tim’s Travails: This month we raise a glass with wine industry expert Elyse Kudo, Vice President of the Spire Collection by Jackson Family Wines

June 2026 — This month on IP attorney and author Timothy Trainer’s podcast/video show we meet a wine expert who gives us insights into a popular industry

Today’s Topic: The future of wine in the US

Meet our guest: Elyse Kudo, Vice President, Spire Collection by Jackson Family Wines

About Elyse: A tenured industry professional, Elyse specializes in relationship-building and networking and has an in-depth knowledge of fine wines and spirits, both imported and domestic. She is highly knowledgeable about food and wine integration, and her superpower is forecasting industry trends.

Tim will ask:

• How did you get into this world of wine?
• How many women are in the industry when you were first breaking in?
• Tell us about some of the influential people (winery owners, sommeliers, chefs) that you have worked with and how they influenced you as you grew as a professional in the community.
• Talk about your delicious wines! What are some of your favorites, and why?
• With fewer people drinking, tariffs, and the abundance of unsold wine on the market, what is your forecast for the future of the US wine business?

Don’t miss it!

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About Tim’s Travails: In this podcast/video series, IP attorney and author Tim Trainer introduces us to experts around the country who have insight into the law, international trade, and more, to help us better understand our world in 2025 and beyond.

Tim, himself, fits the bill for he worked for three decades for the US government and private law firms focusing on international trade, and has developed a deep understanding of global economics and politics.

Writing books is his passion. The author of seven books as of 2025, he has penned several non-fiction tomes, including his first book, Customs Enforcement of Intellectual Property Rights; the 15th edition was published in 2020. Thomson Reuters’ Aspatore Books published Tim’s next title in 2015, Potato Chips to Computer Chips: The War on Fake Stuff.  Fiction was a genre he always wanted to try. In 2017, Pendulum Over the Pacific was released by Joshua Tree Publishing. “This political intrigue story is set in Tokyo and Washington, D.C., and centers on trade tensions between the U.S. and Japan in the late 1980s,” Tim explains. In 2023, his first series hit bookstores: The China Connection. In December 2024, he followed it with The China Factor. 

Stay tuned for more episodes on InkandescentRadio.com and Inkandescent.tv, and of course, log in regularly for new blog entries and other information on Tim’s website, TimothyTrainer.com and his YouTube channel, TimothyTrainer.tv.

Read

May 25, 2026 — Memorial Day: Something Left Behind?

Check out this week’s blog post by IP attorney, author Timothy Trainer, host of the podcast and video show Tim’s Travails • Follow Tim on Substack

Image: farmersalmanac.com

Memorial Day’s observance is to honor those who died serving in our wars. Memorial Day 2026 occurs only days after two Vietnam veterans who served together in the same rifle company passed away within 48 hours of each other. They survived their combat tour of duty in Vietnam. They came home bodily whole. Still, it’s difficult to believe that every combat engagement didn’t take a part of them as they fought to survive.

Bill, the lieutenant, and Larry, the nineteen-year-old soldier, carried the weight of their world on their backs. Spending weeks out on the trails, creating new ones in the jungle, and carrying everything they needed, including the weight of ammunition and their weapons. Rank didn’t lessen Bill’s load. Larry was no stranger to walking point. Their respective ranks might have imposed different responsibilities on them, but ultimately, they depended on each other and the rest of their brothers-in-arms to endure the jungle and combat.

Serving under an aggressive but experienced and knowledgeable company commander, Bill and Larry experienced their share of combat. They survived all the gunfights. Their bodies were exposed to Agent Orange. Their hearing suffered from the sounds of combat: small-arms fire, exploding grenades, artillery, and mortar fire. They saw things they could never unsee.

When the time arrived, both men left the uniform behind and returned to civilian life. For each, the time came when reconnecting with their fellow soldiers was welcome. Eventually, both attended reunions, traveling long distances to Washington, D.C., Michigan, and other parts of the country. The reunions provided a certain sense of freedom: freedom to talk about Vietnam with others who knew and didn’t judge, and freedom to grieve and mourn those who were lost. Being with their fellow soldiers allowed their emotions to escape.

Having attended reunions of those who’ve been in combat, the one thing we should all remember this Memorial Day is that the survivors of combat, regardless of which war, left a part of themselves back there. How much was left behind differs with each individual. For some like me, Memorial Day, a day for remembrance, isn’t just for those who gave their lives in battle; it’s a day to think about what we ask those in uniform to do in our name.

Wars are not limited to the destruction of things but are about the taking of life. Asking those in uniform to undertake such a burden in our name should be done only after all other options are exhausted.

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About the Timothy Trainer: Writing books is a passion for attorney Timothy Trainer, who for more than three decades focused on intellectual property issues in his day job. He has worked in government agencies and in the private sector, and his assignments have taken him to 60 countries around the world.

Tim found time to pen a few non-fiction tomes, including his first book, Customs Enforcement of Intellectual Property Rights; the 15th edition was published in 2022. Thomson Reuters’ Aspatore Books published Tim’s next title in 2015, Potato Chips to Computer Chips: The War on Fake Stuff. 

Fiction was a genre he always wanted to try. In 2019, Pendulum Over the Pacific, was released by Joshua Tree Publishing. “This political intrigue story is set in Tokyo and Washington, D.C., and centers on trade tensions between the U.S. and Japan in the late 1980s,” Tim explains.

In 2023, his first series hit bookstores: The China Connection.

In 2025, he published the sequel, The China Factor, which ranked #63 on the Amazon Asian Literature list in May.

Click here to learn about all of Tim’s books.

Watch

Listen Listen to the podcast on Inkandescent Radio May 2026, Ep13 Tim’s Travails: This month, our guest is attorney Ronald Sharpe, former United States Attorney for the District of the Virgin Islands From September 2009 to March 2017, Ronald served as the presidentially appointed United States Attorney for the District of the Virgin Islands. He led numerous high-profile, criminal and civil investigations, including public corruption cases implicating elected members of the Virgin Islands Senate, federal employees, and police officers, as well as significant financial fraud cases and international organized crime investigations. Learn all about it! Read

May 2026, Ep13 Tim’s Travails: This month, our guest is attorney Ronald Sharpe, former United States Attorney for the District of the Virgin Islands

May 2026 — This month on IP attorney and author Timothy Trainer’s podcast/video show we meet attorney Ronald Sharpe

Our Topic: A powerful conversation with a former U.S. Attorney

Don’t miss this interview on Tim’s Travails Radio • TimothyTrainer.tv

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About Tim’s Travails: In this podcast/video sereis, IP attorney and author Tim Trainer introduce us to experts around the country who have insight into the law, international trade, and more, to help us better understand our world in 2025 and beyond.

Tim, himself, fits the bill for he worked for three decades for the US government and private law firms focusing on international trade, and has developed a deep understanding of global economics and politics.

Writing books is his passion. The author of seven books as of 2025, he has penned several non-fiction tomes, including his first book, Customs Enforcement of Intellectual Property Rights; the 15th edition was published in 2020. Thomson Reuters’ Aspatore Books published Tim’s next title in 2015, Potato Chips to Computer Chips: The War on Fake Stuff.  Fiction was a genre he always wanted to try. In 2017, Pendulum Over the Pacific was released by Joshua Tree Publishing. “This political intrigue story is set in Tokyo and Washington, D.C., and centers on trade tensions between the U.S. and Japan in the late 1980s,” Tim explains. In 2023, his first series hit bookstores: The China Connection. In December 2024, he followed it with The China Factor. 

Stay tuned for more episodes on InkandescentRadio.com and Inkandescent.tv, and of course, log in regularly for new blog entries and other information on Tim’s website, www.TimothyTrainer.com.

Read

April 27, 2026 — Reminders and Re-Emergence

Don’t miss this week’s blog post by IP attorney, author Timothy Trainer, host of the podcast and video show Tim’s Travails • Follow Tim on Substack

Global hotspots, flashpoints for new violence and wars, seem to be everywhere as we look at the latest news of the world. There are numerous conflicts like those in Africa that do not attract as much U.S. media attention and, therefore, seem non-existent to most people in the U.S. Global Conflict Tracker | CFR Interactives.

Two countries are on the verge of re-emerging as future military powers. They have the technological capabilities to be immediate “players” on the world stage in the production of the most lethal weapons.

Japan’s recent reassessment of the global situation, including the retreat or unreliability of the U.S. as a security guarantor, has resulted in change to policies. Japan has announced that it has loosened its previous limits on exports of military hardware. Japan opens door to global arms market with overhaul of defence export rules | Reuters.

With China, North Korea and Russia as neighbors, Japan realizes the need to upgrade its military capabilities and sees the need to help regional neighbors. Japan and its regional neighbors confront a more aggressive China as conflicting claims to islands in the region are constant flashpoints. Ironically, the Philippines, a country that suffered devastating destruction at the hands of the Japanese military during World War II, now welcomes changes to Japan’s policies.

Japan’s change in policy means future exports of naval vessels, missiles and other high-tech military weapons. Earlier this month, Australia entered into a contract for numerous naval vessels that will be manufactured and delivered by Japan. Australia’s A$20 Billion Mogami Frigate Deal With Japan Creates Powerful New Indo-Pacific Naval Alliance – Defence Security Asia.

As Japan’s evaluation of the regional and global situation dictates the need for change, it’s important to remind ourselves that Japan and Russia have never officially ended World War II. There is nothing to suggest this state of affairs will change in the immediate future as bilateral relations remain cool due to Japan’s opposition to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Russia sees no reason to discuss peace with Japan, the Kremlin says | Reuters.

In Europe, Germany is also responding to the everchanging winds of geopolitics. Russia’s war with Ukraine and, more recently, the whiplash caused by Trump’s statements about NATO and his questionable commitment to European security are cause for concern and reassessment. The Guardian view on Germany, Japan and the end of the postwar order: as US alliances crumble, a new world emerges | Editorial | The Guardian.

Apparently, Germans view Donald Trump’s verbal attacks on NATO and Europe as equally threatening to European and German security as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Efforts to understand German sentiment through focus groups find that two-thirds agree that “when in doubt, we can and should no longer rely on military assistance from the U.S.” Germany’s Rearmament Is Stunning   | Washington Monthly.

The current German Chancellor took steps immediately to change the constitution in order to allow the government to borrow more for weapons and ammunition. In addition, a new conscription law went into effect at the beginning of this year to significantly increase the number of active duty and reserve German soldiers. Military service returns to Germany: we outline the most important rules.

As the United States projects an image as an unreliable ally, injecting instability in global affairs, it is not surprising that countries reassess. What is significant is that two former. ful countries that pursued pacifist policies for 80 years loosenmilitarily power limits and restrictions that had been in place for decades. Japan and Germany have the industrial capabilities to introduce high-tech, sophisticated weaponry into the world’s weapons supply chain.

The re-emergence of these two countries may contribute to some stability in Asia and Europe. While we can only hope that these two countries will help keep situations stable and deter wars and violence, their military build-up should be viewed as a failure of the global environment that allowed them to remain committed to their more pacifist policies for the past 80 years. Unfortunately, given recent U.S. actions, threats, and statements regarding allies and security pacts, the United States shoulders the blame for the deterioration of the global environment that forces these two countries to rearm themselves.

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About the Timothy Trainer: Writing books is a passion for attorney Timothy Trainer, who for more than three decades focused on intellectual property issues in his day job. He has worked in government agencies and in the private sector, and his assignments have taken him to 60 countries around the world.

Tim found time to pen a few non-fiction tomes, including his first book, Customs Enforcement of Intellectual Property Rights; the 15th edition was published in 2022. Thomson Reuters’ Aspatore Books published Tim’s next title in 2015, Potato Chips to Computer Chips: The War on Fake Stuff. 

Fiction was a genre he always wanted to try. In 2019, Pendulum Over the Pacific, was released by Joshua Tree Publishing. “This political intrigue story is set in Tokyo and Washington, D.C., and centers on trade tensions between the U.S. and Japan in the late 1980s,” Tim explains.

In 2023, his first series hit bookstores: The China Connection.

In 2025, he published the sequel, The China Factor, which ranked #63 on the Amazon Asian Literature list in May.

Click here to learn about all of Tim’s books.

Read

My China Trilogy: Kellie Liang Returns in The China Dilemma

April 18, 2026, A Note from author Timothy Trainer: I’m fortunate to have signed a publishing contract to get The China Dilemma out later this year. Things happen when writing fiction.

Having created Kellie Liang in The China Connection (published in 2023), it was an easy decision to write a second novel with her having a central role in The China Factor (published in 2024).

However, the ending in The China Factor (yes, even I was surprised by the ending) left me scratching my head, asking, well, what happens? Kellie Liang wasn’t done.

In fact, things that cause tension in U.S.-China relations have only gotten more complex, and she continues to find herself mixed up in ways she couldn’t have predicted. Scroll down to read more about the new book!

If you haven’t read the two previous novels, there’s time before The China Dilemma is published. Click here to buy Tim’s books!

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About The China Dilemma

Attempts to expose China’s stranglehold on rare earth minerals and resulting U.S. vulnerability poses risks to those who want to publicize the China threat.

A publishing contract signed on April 17 with Joshua Tree Publishing assures readers that Kellie Liang, the central character in two previous mystery novels The China Factor and The China Factor, will return later this year.

“Kellie forced my hand because of the way The China Factor ended,” says author Timothy Trainer. “I didn’t have a particular scene or ending in mind for the China Factor. I confess that when I typed the last sentence then reread it, I stopped writing. But, because I stopped writing, it left me and readers asking the question, what happens to her?”

The title of the next installment of the trilogy is The China Dilemma. The story is set in 2007. Readers can follow Kellie’s exploits in Europe and the United States. China’s global impact is evident through the story. “Given the way The China Factor ended, I had to take Kellie to Europe. Hopefully, anyone who has read either of the previous books will notice her character evolve,” Mr. Trainer says.

“Tim brings current events to life through his books,” says journalist and author Hope Katz Gibbs, founder of the Inkandescent PR + Publishing Co. “He shares with us the implications of China’s control of rare earth minerals in The China Dilemma. It’s a reality-based story and what the government doesn’t want us to know and how Kellie gets involved in trying to educate the public about the dire consequences of failing to be informed,” says Ms. Gibbs.

Honors and Awards: The China Factor and The China Factor received awards in the Mystery, Thriller, Crime category from the Military Writers Society of America.

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About the Timothy Trainer: Writing books is a passion for attorney Timothy Trainer, who for more than three decades focused on intellectual property issues in his day job. He has worked in government agencies and in the private sector, and his assignments have taken him to 60 countries around the world.

Tim found time to pen a few non-fiction tomes, including his first book, Customs Enforcement of Intellectual Property Rights; the 15th edition was published in 2022. Thomson Reuters’ Aspatore Books published Tim’s next title in 2015, Potato Chips to Computer Chips: The War on Fake Stuff. 

Fiction was a genre he always wanted to try. In 2019, Pendulum Over the Pacific, was released by Joshua Tree Publishing. “This political intrigue story is set in Tokyo and Washington, D.C., and centers on trade tensions between the U.S. and Japan in the late 1980s,” Tim explains.

In 2023, his first series hit bookstores: The China Connection.

In 2025, he published the sequel, The China Factor, which ranked #63 on the Amazon Asian Literature list in 2025.

Don’t miss this week’s blog post by IP attorney, author Timothy Trainer, host of the podcast and video show Tim’s Travails • Follow Tim on Substack

Watch

Listen Listen to the podcast on Inkandescent Radio April 2026, Ep12 Tim’s Travails: This month, Tim honors our heroes on National Vietnam War Veterans Day, March 29, 2026 March 29 has been the official date of National Vietnam War Veterans Day since March 29, 1973, when the Military Assistance Command Vietnam (MACV) was disbanded, and the last U.S. combat troops departed the Republic of Vietnam. The last unit to leave was the Special Guard, MACV’s Infantry Security Force. Read

April 2026, Ep12 Tim’s Travails: This month, Tim honors our heroes on National Vietnam War Veterans Day, March 29, 2026

March 29, 2026 — This month on IP attorney and author Timothy Trainer’s podcast/video show we meet two Vietnam vets Monico Rodriguez and Josue Silva.

Today’s Topic: Shining a light on American heroes

Meet our guests: 

• Monico Rodriguez: In Vietnam, served in Company A, 5th Battalion, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division (Vietnam Sept-Dec 1965)
• Josue Silva: In Vietnam, served in Company B, 2nd Battalion, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division (Vietnam Oct. ’68-August ’69)

About National Vietnam War Veterans Day: March 29 has been the official date of National Vietnam War Veterans Day since March 29, 1973, when the Military Assistance Command Vietnam (MACV) was disbanded, and the last U.S. combat troops departed the Republic of Vietnam. The last unit to leave was the Special Guard, MACV’s Infantry Security Force.

• On March 29, 2012, President Barack Obama proclaimed: ” I call upon all Americans to observe thisriate programs, ceremonies, and activities that commemorate the 50- day with appropyear anniversary of the Vietnam War.”
• On December 26, 2016, the Vietnam Veterans Day Coalition of States Council presented a letter to President-elect Donald Trump and Congressional leadership outlining the history and timeline of the cause to establish March 29 as Vietnam War Veterans Day and requesting that it be one of the first pieces of legislation passed and signed into law during the 115th Congress. Trump signed the Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Act of 2017. This act officially recognizes March 29 as National Vietnam War Veterans Day.
• Learn more here.

About The Fortunate Son: The Fortunate Son recounts the parallel lives of an army brat and a group of Vietnam veterans who intersect decades after the war.

“The veterans open up to me, the army brat, perhaps in a way they never have with their own families,” explains author Timothy Trainer. “Through my father, Top, their First Sergeant, we have a common link. Over the years, we’ve gotten to know each other. They begin to understand the sacrifices of an army family. But, more importantly, they want me to understand how our family’s sacrifice and my father’s tour of duty in Vietnam with them, in the jungles, gave them confidence to believe they would make it home alive.”

The Fortunate Son is not about a single battle or a single soldier’s tour of duty. You will meet us, learn something about us, and get a glimpse of our lives during the war years. You’ll find out why half a century after that tour of duty ended, we remain bound together. If you’ve ever been in the military or part of a military family, you’ll know that we all are bound together. For those who find the military to be foreign and unknown, our story may help you to understand why it binds so many together.

Fourteen of these soldiers have shared their stories. Their stories describe two life transitions—first from civilian teenagers or young men to combat grunts trying to stay alive in the jungle—and then back to stateside life. What happens between these transitions, as they slog through the jungle day by day paints their portrait of Top, my father. Now, I appreciate why they remain bound together half a century after their tour ended. Their stories are an unexpected gift that bestows new insight to me on my father. So, as you read and “listen” to these soldiers’ stories, both what they say and how they describe Top, you understand why I’ve learned that I am The Fortunate Son. Click here to buy The Fortunate Son.

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About Tim’s Travails: In this podcast/video series, IP attorney and author Tim Trainer introduces us to experts around the country who offer insights into the law, international trade, and more, helping us better understand our world in 2025 and beyond.

Tim himself fits the bill, as he worked for three decades for the US government and private law firms, focusing on international trade and has developed a deep understanding of global economics and politics.

Writing books is his passion. The author of seven books as of 2025, he has penned several non-fiction tomes, including his first book, Customs Enforcement of Intellectual Property Rights; the 15th edition was published in 2020. Thomson Reuters’ Aspatore Books published Tim’s next title in 2015, Potato Chips to Computer Chips: The War on Fake Stuff.  Fiction was a genre he always wanted to try. In 2017, Pendulum Over the Pacific was released by Joshua Tree Publishing. “This political intrigue story is set in Tokyo and Washington, D.C., and centers on trade tensions between the U.S. and Japan in the late 1980s,” Tim explains. In 2023, his first series hit bookstores: The China Connection. In December 2024, he followed it with The China Factor. 

Stay tuned for more episodes on InkandescentRadio.com and Inkandescent.tv, and of course, log in regularly for new blog entries and other information on Tim’s website, www.TimothyTrainer.com.

Read

March 27, 2026: Boots on the Ground, Knocks on the Door

Don’t miss this week’s blog post by IP attorney, author Timothy Trainer, host of the podcast and video show Tim’s Travails • Follow Tim on Substack

March 27 marks four weeks since the U.S.-Israel bombardment of Iran began. We’re a month into the war of choice. U.S. Central Command announced that the U.S. has hit more than 10,000 targets in just under four weeks: Iran war latest: Trump ‘pauses’ threat to bomb Iran’s energy facilities for 10 days – and says talks ‘going very well’ | World News | Sky News.

On March 24, our Criminal-in-Chief was heard saying that the war in Iran has been won and we’ve achieved regime change: Trump declares Iran war ‘won’ as Tehran denies claims of peace talk progress – The Washington Post. Apparently, the Iranians are not acting as if the war has been lost and is now over.

Indeed, even as the words of our victory pass the Criminal-in-Chief’s lips, he’s ordering the deployment of additional ground troops to the region. The thousands being deployed to the region will add to the roughly 50,000 U.S. military personnel who were already there. US expected to send thousands of soldiers to Middle East, sources say.

Based on the announced deployments, the U.S. will increase the number of Marines in the region by approximately 5,000 (U.S. orders more warships, thousands of Marines to the Middle East) and Army soldiers by 2,000 to 3,000: More than 2,000 troops from Fort Bragg’s 82nd Airborne Division are headed to the Middle East | WUNC News.

As contradictory statements of winning and escalation emanate from the White House, it isn’t surprising to read that members of the Criminal-in-Chief’s political party are frustrated. The Republican chairman of the House Armed Services Committee said the Pentagon wasn’t providing sufficient information about its aims in the Middle East. Even Republicans Flip Out After Classified Pentagon Briefing on Iran – NewsBreak. Even Republican Congresswoman Nancy Mace walked out of a classified briefing, commenting that the administration is trying to drag the country into another Iraq: MAGA rep sounds alarm on war after walking out of meeting.

Sustaining any losses and casualties is painful. Thus far, despite the mixed and contradictory messaging regarding the many U.S. objectives of this war of choice, we have not sustained a high number of casualties. A late March report indicated that thirteen service members have been killed and over 230 injured: Iran war takes mounting toll on America’s military. We should be thankful that all the Iranian missiles and drones aimed at U.S. personnel have not caused more death and injury.

Unfortunately, with the possibility of inserting thousands of ground troops into the war effort, we must ask ourselves how many more U.S. service members may be killed and injured. We should demand a better, clearer statement of purpose and mission before placing more service members in harm’s way. Given the erratic decision-making already displayed, it is frightening to think that our Criminal-in-Chief may be baited by Iranian taunts urging the U.S. to “come closer”: zambianobserver.com

More American service members on the ground and in the direct line of fire will undoubtedly mean more dreaded knocks on the door. Sadly, we have a history of wars dragging on, resulting in ever-growing lists of names of those who give their lives and those who incur war-related injuries. The prospect of boots on the ground means even more knocks on the door to notify family members of those lost and injured.

Before additional marines and soldiers arrive in the region, before they are confronted with the reality of war, before the knocks on the door become a daily or hourly occurrence, will our elected members of Congress do their job? Will they act and demonstrate to us that they truly believe that those who serve in uniform are our nation’s treasure, or is that, too, empty political rhetoric? Before the number of door knocks grows, I want to see proof that those who serve are treated as national treasures, at least as important and valuable to the country as the Criminal-in-Chief.

We shouldn’t have to wait for the list of those killed and injured to grow before demanding a more thorough explanation from this administration of what is being asked of our military, the people, is worthy of their sacrifice.

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About the Timothy Trainer: Writing books is a passion for attorney Timothy Trainer, who for more than three decades focused on intellectual property issues in his day job. He has worked in government agencies and in the private sector, and his assignments have taken him to 60 countries around the world.

Tim found time to pen a few non-fiction tomes, including his first book, Customs Enforcement of Intellectual Property Rights; the 15th edition was published in 2022. Thomson Reuters’ Aspatore Books published Tim’s next title in 2015, Potato Chips to Computer Chips: The War on Fake Stuff. 

Fiction was a genre he always wanted to try. In 2019, Pendulum Over the Pacific, was released by Joshua Tree Publishing. “This political intrigue story is set in Tokyo and Washington, D.C., and centers on trade tensions between the U.S. and Japan in the late 1980s,” Tim explains.

In 2023, his first series hit bookstores: The China Connection.

In 2025, he published the sequel, The China Factor, which ranked #63 on the Amazon Asian Literature list in May.

Click here to learn about all of Tim’s books.

Read

March 20, 2026 — Degradation of Civility Trump Style

Don’t miss this week’s blog post by IP attorney, author Timothy Trainer, host of the podcast and video show Tim’s Travails • Follow Tim on Substack

The death of Robert Mueller III was announced on March 21, 2026. During his 81 years, Mr. Mueller achieved what many wish they could in a lifetime. Before he became a household name in the spotlight, he served in the country’s most unpopular war. His service as a Marine Corps officer in Vietnam resulted in earning the Purple Heart, Bronze Star, and two Navy Commendation Medals. He eventually became head of the FBI and, as Special Prosecutor, oversaw investigations into Trump and whether the president’s associates had colluded with Russia in its covert operations to sway the 2016 election: Robert Mueller, Former FBI Director Who Led Trump Inquiry, Dies at 81 – The New York Times.

Reading his biography, it is hard to argue that anyone whose life included these accomplishments would deny that Mr. Mueller’s life was about service and sacrifice for his country. His decisions and pursuits reflect a man who understood that when duty called, it was his responsibility to answer that call.

Contrasting Mr. Mueller’s character is that of the criminal who occupies the White House. Instead of remaining silent, our Criminal-in-Chief is quoted saying “Robert Mueller just died. Good, I’m glad he’s dead,” Robert Mueller, Former FBI Director Who Led Trump Inquiry, Dies at 81 – The New York Times.

Let’s be honest, the United States has an occupier of the White House who cares nothing about anything other than self-enrichment and self-aggrandizement. The current U.S. regime is all about propping up and ensuring that the Criminal-in-Chief and his supporters, including pardoned criminals, profit off the backs of everyday Americans.

Trump’s comments regarding Mr. Mueller’s death underscores his disdain, his disrespect for anyone who would attempt to live by the rule of law and respect the constitution. It is a given that our Criminal-in-Chief is incapable of understanding a man, like Mr. Mueller, who would deliberately put himself in harm’s way and potentially give his life for the ideals of what the United States is all about.

What our Criminal-in-Chief fails to understand is that there may be many who have the same sentiments about him as he has about Mr. Mueller when he says, “I’m glad he’s dead.” It is sad day when it’s a person who has the title of “President of the United States” who verbalizes this level of disrespect for a man, his service and his sacrifice.

Click here to read more of Tim’s blog posts.

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About the Timothy Trainer: Writing books is a passion for attorney Timothy Trainer, who for more than three decades focused on intellectual property issues in his day job. He has worked in government agencies and in the private sector, and his assignments have taken him to 60 countries around the world.

Tim found time to pen a few non-fiction tomes, including his first book, Customs Enforcement of Intellectual Property Rights; the 15th edition was published in 2022. Thomson Reuters’ Aspatore Books published Tim’s next title in 2015, Potato Chips to Computer Chips: The War on Fake Stuff. 

Fiction was a genre he always wanted to try. In 2019, Pendulum Over the Pacific, was released by Joshua Tree Publishing. “This political intrigue story is set in Tokyo and Washington, D.C., and centers on trade tensions between the U.S. and Japan in the late 1980s,” Tim explains.

In 2023, his first series hit bookstores: The China Connection.

In 2025, he published the sequel, The China Factor, which ranked #63 on the Amazon Asian Literature list in May.

Click here to learn about all of Tim’s books.

Read

March 13, 2026 — U.S.: More War, Less Peace

Check out this week’s blog post by IP attorney, author Timothy Trainer, host of the podcast and video show Tim’s Travails • Follow Tim on Substack

Once again, the U.S. is at war somewhere in the world. An in-depth look into U.S. military hostile engagements and covert hostile activities abroad will educate us and inform us about the extent to which we are pro-war and pro-regime change. During the post-World War II period, extended periods of peace are rare. Anyone signing up to serve in the military and making it a career is bound to find him or herself serving during a period of conflict given our history.

The last 80 years of U.S. History demonstrates our broad “national interests” and the lengths to which we go to protect those interests. While they are admirable at times, there have been other times when our pursuit to protect our national interests is much less than honorable.

As we are now forced to live through a war of choice initiated by our government, it’s important to recognize the extent to which the U.S. has been mired in conflicts around the world. It’s impossible to list them all, but highlighting a few may help people see just how much the U.S. has been involved abroad and the duration of these conflicts.

It’s likely that very few have come across the joint U.S.-U.K. effort at regime change in Albania. There were legitimate reasons to be concerned about the Soviet Union’s control over many Eastern European countries in the late 1940s in the aftermath of World War II. This effort at regime change, code named Operation Valuable Fiend, involved the CIA. It didn’t go well. OBOPUS BGFIEND VOL. 14 (BGFIEND OPERATIONS)_0088.pdf.

The Korean War: June 1950-1953. The war begins when North Korean troops invade South Korea. U.S. Periods of War and Dates of Recent Conflicts | Congress.gov | Library of Congress.

Vietnam: 1955-1975: The Vietnam “Era” begins in 1955 with the U.S.’s Military Assistance and Advisory Group to train and provide military aid to South Vietnam’s army. U.S. Periods of War and Dates of Recent Conflicts | Congress.gov | Library of Congress.

The decade of the 1980s was a busy time of U.S. engagements abroad both militarily and in that fuzzy area of regime change as the list of activity includes: Lebanon (1982-1983), Grenada (1983), and Panama (1989-1990). U.S. Periods of War and Dates of Recent Conflicts | Congress.gov | Library of Congress. The decade of the 80s would not be complete without mention of our messy involvement in Nicaragua and the Contra War. U.S. aid to Contras signed into law | October 18, 1986 | HISTORY.

The last thirty-five years have been marked by the U.S.’s military engagements in the Middle East. The brief Persian Gulf War (August 1990-April 1991) was followed by the prolonged operations after the September 11, 2001, attacks. In succession, we have had Operation Enduring Freedom (October 2001-December 2014), Operation Freedom’s Sentinel (January 2015-August 2021), Operation Enduring Sentinel (October 2021-no end date). Concurrent with these operations were other named operations in Iraq such as Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation New Dawn. U.S. Periods of War and Dates of Recent Conflicts | Congress.gov | Library of Congress.

On February 28, 2026, the U.S. committed itself to Operation Epic Fury which continues in Iran. Interestingly, we have heard a list of reasons for initiating our campaign of “Fury”. We shouldn’t be surprised by Joe Kent’s statement that “Iran posed no imminent threat to our nation” as he states in resigning his position as the country’s top counterterrorism official. Joe Kent, a Top Counterterrorism Official for the Trump Administration, Resigns, Citing Iran War – The New York Times.

Trump is not the first president to lie about the reasons for getting the country into war. Sadly, it has happened far too many times with the loss of lives on all sides. Whether covert or overt, we have all too often initiated actions that have resulted in making situations worse. Our arrogance combined with ignorance and use of military force and power do more harm than good and will cultivate more enemies than friends given our current conduct and behavior.

For the citizens of the United States, heightened vigilance is not a choice, it is a necessity for everyday living

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About the Timothy Trainer: Writing books is a passion for attorney Timothy Trainer, who for more than three decades focused on intellectual property issues in his day job. He has worked in government agencies and in the private sector, and his assignments have taken him to 60 countries around the world.

Tim found time to pen a few non-fiction tomes, including his first book, Customs Enforcement of Intellectual Property Rights; the 15th edition was published in 2022. Thomson Reuters’ Aspatore Books published Tim’s next title in 2015, Potato Chips to Computer Chips: The War on Fake Stuff. 

Fiction was a genre he always wanted to try. In 2019, Pendulum Over the Pacific, was released by Joshua Tree Publishing. “This political intrigue story is set in Tokyo and Washington, D.C., and centers on trade tensions between the U.S. and Japan in the late 1980s,” Tim explains.

In 2023, his first series hit bookstores: The China Connection.

In 2025, he published the sequel, The China Factor, which ranked #63 on the Amazon Asian Literature list in May.

Click here to learn about all of Tim’s books.

Read

March 6, 2026: Welcome to the World of Gray

Check out this week’s blog post by IP attorney, author Timothy Trainer, host of the podcast and video show Tim’s Travails • Follow Tim on Substack

This year has begun with a bang, literally. Lots of government-sanctioned violence and gunfire. I’m talking U.S. Government-sanctioned violence and gunfire, and that excludes all the Government-sanctioned gunfire within the borders of the country (but let’s not forget what’s going on domestically).

We started with a military action that abducted the head of a country in Venezuela: Spies, drones, and blowtorches: How the US captured Maduro. The abduction of Maduro was just the start of things to come. Who knew?

The pace of U.S. military involvement in violence is picking up! The U.S. offered intelligence assistance for Mexican authorities to take action against a cartel boss that, in turn, resulted in shootings and additional killings in Mexico: Mexican military kills cartel boss ‘El Mencho’ in US-backed raid | Reuters. It’s easy to be cynical and not believe the U.S.’s claim that it provided only intel support. Given what occurred, it’s just as believable that U.S. DEA or other agency or military assets were on the ground to assist the Mexican authorities.

The U.S. has also intensified a blockade of Cuba: A New U.S. Blockade Is Strangling Cuba – The New York Times. The U.S. action, which sounds similar to one of Iran’s stated objectives, is aimed at regime change. The U.S. has deployed U.S. Coast Guard vessels to enforce the current blockade. Trump has raised the prospect of the U.S. engaging in a “friendly takeover” of Cuba: Trump raises prospect of ‘friendly takeover’ of Cuba, says Rubio in talks | Reuters.

Now, we’re engaged in hostilities with Iran after having obliterated Iran’s nuclear capabilities last summer. We must obliterate them again because . . . we were lied to then (remember having been lied to about those weapons of mass destruction in Iraq years ago? Remember having been lied to about . . . never mind, lying is par for the course when the U.S. seeks to start wars).

After a few days of bombing our Criminal-in-Chief has said that “Just about everything’s been knocked out:” Trump says ‘everything’s been knocked out’ in Iran but offers no clear plan for war. Nevertheless, we’ll keep bombing all those previously obliterated targets that don’t exist. In retaliation, Iran has struck countries that it sees as assisting the U.S./Israel attacks and has stretched the war zone to the whole of the region and beyond. Perhaps not to be outdone, the U.S. reported the sinking of an Iranian navy vessel in the Indian Ocean near Sri Lanka: US submarine sinks Iranian warship as war expands | AP News.

And, perhaps while you were absorbed by the news related to what’s going on in Iran and that region of the world, the U.S. has special forces working with Ecuadorean authorities to combat drug traffickers there: US, Ecuadorean forces take action in Ecuador to combat drug trafficking | Reuters.

During the first 70 days of 2026, the U.S. has engaged in more international military “adventures” than many countries would enter into in a decade. We seem to have a bloodthirsty administration intent on satisfying the Criminal-in-Chief’s desire to project his false macho image by using the military to project U.S. power.

Given this Criminal-in-Chief’s transactional way of doing everything, the only question is how many people, regardless of nationality, will have to die in the name of the Trump family’s ultimate financial gain? Neither Trump nor those at the top of this administration have anyone in harm’s way.

For those in the U.S. who think the U.S. is always the white-hatted good guys, think again. How much pain and suffering are innocent people around the world enduring because of our Criminal-in-Chief? How many more lives in the Middle East, South America, Asia and the U.S. will be lost or made more difficult because of his need to use and project power?

While the Criminal-in-Chief and his minions will point fingers at countries around the world as bad guys or dangerous or an imminent threat to the security of the United States, it’s practically impossible to identify another of our adversaries that has engaged in the kind of behavior the U.S. has engaged in around the world. It begs the question: Are we the white hats or the black hats?

There are some real truths here as we see hostile U.S. military activity expanding geographically: No one in the Trump family will serve in uniform and be in harm’s way. Trump and his family will never get a knock at the door informing them about the loss of a loved one. They will never feel the pain of the ultimate loss and sacrifice that his decisions cause. Trump and his family will profit from his bullying of others.

Americans need to stop seeing themselves as the white-hatted good guys of the world and get real. At best, we wear the gray hats because we are also involved in so much global violence.

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About the Timothy Trainer: Writing books is a passion for attorney Timothy Trainer, who for more than three decades focused on intellectual property issues in his day job. He has worked in government agencies and in the private sector, and his assignments have taken him to 60 countries around the world.

Tim found time to pen a few non-fiction tomes, including his first book, Customs Enforcement of Intellectual Property Rights; the 15th edition was published in 2022. Thomson Reuters’ Aspatore Books published Tim’s next title in 2015, Potato Chips to Computer Chips: The War on Fake Stuff. 

Fiction was a genre he always wanted to try. In 2019, Pendulum Over the Pacific, was released by Joshua Tree Publishing. “This political intrigue story is set in Tokyo and Washington, D.C., and centers on trade tensions between the U.S. and Japan in the late 1980s,” Tim explains.

In 2023, his first series hit bookstores: The China Connection.

In 2025, he published the sequel, The China Factor, which ranked #63 on the Amazon Asian Literature list in May.

Click here to learn about all of Tim’s books.

Watch

Listen Listen to the podcast on Inkandescent Radio March 2026, Ep11 Tim’s Travails: An Invisible Public Servant is the month’s feature on Peter Fowler, former Senior Counsel, Office of Policy and International Affairs at the United States Patent and Trademark Office Peter Fowler retired in January 2026 after more than 30 years at the USPTO. What are his takeaways from his tenure? What advice does he have for other public servants? Read

March 2026, Ep11 Tim’s Travails: An Invisible Public Servant is the month’s feature on Peter Fowler, former Senior Counsel, Office of Policy and International Affairs at the United States Patent and Trademark Office

March 2026 — This month on IP attorney and author Timothy Trainer’s podcast/video show we meet Peter Fowler, former Senior Counsel, Office of Policy and International Affairs at the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO)

Today’s Topic: An Invisible Public Servant — It’s the Mission

Don’t miss it!

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About Tim’s Travails: In this podcast/video sereis, IP attorney and author Tim Trainer introduce us to experts around the country who have insight into the law, international trade, and more, to help us better understand our world in 2025 and beyond.

Tim, himself, fits the bill for he worked for three decades for the US government and private law firms focusing on international trade, and has developed a deep understanding of global economics and politics.

Writing books is his passion. The author of seven books as of 2025, he has penned several non-fiction tomes, including his first book, Customs Enforcement of Intellectual Property Rights; the 15th edition was published in 2020. Thomson Reuters’ Aspatore Books published Tim’s next title in 2015, Potato Chips to Computer Chips: The War on Fake Stuff.  Fiction was a genre he always wanted to try. In 2017, Pendulum Over the Pacific was released by Joshua Tree Publishing. “This political intrigue story is set in Tokyo and Washington, D.C., and centers on trade tensions between the U.S. and Japan in the late 1980s,” Tim explains. In 2023, his first series hit bookstores: The China Connection. In December 2024, he followed it with The China Factor. 

Stay tuned for more episodes on InkandescentRadio.com and Inkandescent.tv, and of course, log in regularly for new blog entries and other information on Tim’s website, www.TimothyTrainer.com.

Read

Feb. 27, 2026: The Ultimate Steal and Death of a Country

Don’t miss this week’s blog post by IP attorney, author Timothy Trainer, host of the podcast and video show Tim’s Travails • Follow Tim on Substack

What a surprise to see a headline stating “Trump, seeking executive power over elections, is urged to declare emergency:” Trump, seeking executive power over elections, is urged to declare emergency – The Washington Post. We have Trump supporters and activists urging the issuance of an order because “the president is aware that there are foreign interests that are interfering in our election processes. That causes a national emergency where the president has to be able to deal with it.”

It’s always worth going back to the beginning.

The U.S. Constitution states in Article 1, Section 4 that “The times, places and manner of holding elections for Senators and Representatives, shall be prescribed in each state by the legislature thereof; but the Congress may at any time by law make or alter such regulations, except as to the places of choosing Senators:” United States Constitution. Yes, there’s language that provides for Congress to make changes, but it is also clear from this latest article that if Trump confronts a reluctant Congress, he’s ready to unilaterally do what the Constitution does NOT allow him to do.

As the Constitution vests the primary role of electoral processes and procedures to the states, it is worth reminding everyone that the states have done their job competently. Despite all the accusations of voter fraud or theft in 2020, as proclaimed by Trump and his supporters, they came up empty in the courts in proving the existence of this fraud and theft that they screamed about in the election’s aftermath.

Republican Liz Cheney stated that “The president and many around him pushed this idea that the election had been stolen. And that is a dangerous claim. It wasn’t true. There were over 60 court cases where judges, including judges appointed by President Trump and other Republican presidents, looked at the evidence in many cases and said there is no widespread fraud:” Results of Lawsuits Regarding the 2020 Elections | Campaign Legal Center.

Attorney Marc Elias pointed out that “It is 63 losses by Trump and his allies” in an effort to convince the courts of voter fraud. PolitiFact | Joe Biden is right that more than 60 of Trump’s election lawsuits lacked merit. U.S. Court of Appeals Judge Bibas, a Trump appointee, noted in dismissing a challenge in Pennsylvania that “Free, fair elections are the lifeblood of our democracy. Charges of unfairness are serious.

But calling an election unfair does not make it so. Charges require specific allegations, followed by proof.

We have neither here:” PolitiFact | Joe Biden is right that more than 60 of Trump’s election lawsuits lacked merit. Just as we have listened to years of evidence-free claims of voter fraud and a stolen election, one has to ask what emergency exists as the basis for an executive order that undermines U.S. elections that have been deemed to be safe and secure?

The mere fact that a Trump friend and lawyer makes the statement that “there are foreign interests that are interfering in our election processes” is not evidence, Trump, seeking executive power over elections, is urged to declare emergency – The Washington Post. It’s simply a bald statement.

As Trump and his cult followers look for any opportunity and avenue to take over the country and undermine our Constitution and rule of law, it’s worth wondering where the dangers come from and who has undermined our security. And, ultimately, who’s responsible for creating this emergency threat as an excuse to throttle the election system?

When the Criminal-in-Chief considers yet another step toward an unconstitutional or illegal act, we must remind ourselves that the clamor of external threats is a diversion.

No foreign power fired the three-star general whose honest assessment of the U.S. strike on Iran’s nuclear capabilities wasn’t in line with the Criminal-in-Chief’s bragging. Because of the more honest assessment, the administration let go of the man in charge of the Defense Intelligence Agency: Hegseth fires head of Defense Intelligence Agency – NBC News.

Emergencies in this administration are self-created. The Criminal-in-Chief allowed Hegseth to fire a general who was in charge of both the National Security Agency and U.S. Cyber Command. The firing was without any rationale. National Security Agency and Cyber Command chief, Gen. Tim Haugh, ousted – The Washington Post. His firing was based on input from a right-wing activist and conspiracy theorist Laura Loomer. How far-right activist Laura Loomer is shaping the Trump administration | PBS News.

The U.S., like any nation, has many adversaries. And, like many nations, we have developed capabilities to keep a check on what those adversaries are doing through various agencies of the government. Firing people who head agencies like the NSA, Cyber Command, DIA, and others for no apparent reason other than officers providing honest assessments is what causes self-made emergencies to occur. These actions provide adversaries with opportunities. Removal of experienced, competent leadership simply because officers or civilian personnel fail to make outlandish claims causes gaps in competency.

Letting a conspiracy theorist influence personnel decisions undermines critical agency operations. Letting cultist lawyers draft executive orders will lead to illegal and unconstitutional acts by the government.

As the Criminal-in-Chief seeks new ways to trample the Constitution and the rule of law, he gives aid and comfort to our adversaries. By seeking ways to undermine our elections, he seeks to oppress the people, and by doing so, he’s actually behaving in ways no different than the leadership of countries like Iran and China. While his cultist supporters look abroad for reasons to destroy democracy, he and his followers create this homegrown emergency. It’s time to say aloud what so many fear to say: the greatest threat and enemy of the United States occupies the White House.

Image: Pubkgroup

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About the Timothy Trainer: Writing books is a passion for attorney Timothy Trainer, who for more than three decades focused on intellectual property issues in his day job. He has worked in government agencies and in the private sector, and his assignments have taken him to 60 countries around the world.

Tim found time to pen a few non-fiction tomes, including his first book, Customs Enforcement of Intellectual Property Rights; the 15th edition was published in 2022. Thomson Reuters’ Aspatore Books published Tim’s next title in 2015, Potato Chips to Computer Chips: The War on Fake Stuff. 

Fiction was a genre he always wanted to try. In 2019, Pendulum Over the Pacific, was released by Joshua Tree Publishing. “This political intrigue story is set in Tokyo and Washington, D.C., and centers on trade tensions between the U.S. and Japan in the late 1980s,” Tim explains.

In 2023, his first series hit bookstores: The China Connection.

In 2025, he published the sequel, The China Factor, which ranked #63 on the Amazon Asian Literature list in May.

Click here to learn about all of Tim’s books.

Read

Feb. 16: President’s Day 2026 — Are we supposed to be celebrating something today?

Don’t miss this week’s blog post by IP attorney, author Timothy Trainer, host of the podcast and video show Tim’s Travails • Follow Tim on Substack

Image courtesy of Wikipedia

On President’s Day, are we supposed to be celebrating something? If so, it’s difficult to identify what that would be, given the speed with which the current president has undermined the constitution, the rule of law, and defied the courts.

Trump’s great 2020 election complaint about having the election stolen is worth keeping in mind. The spotlight should be on who really wants to steal an election or, going beyond that, eliminate future elections: Donald Trump pushes harder for nationalizing elections despite backlash. There’s no confusion about who is truly the wannabe thief: it’s the current occupant of the White House. And there’s no confusion as to who is consumed with the idea of going beyond stealing an election to cancelling them altogether.

On the flip side, despite the U.S.’s involvement in global wars, elections were held during both world wars, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and the war on terror as we engaged in warfare in Iraq and Afghanistan. Thus, any rhetoric by the Criminal in Chief about future elections is all about how he can fulfill his desire for the greatest election theft of all time, eliminating them and keeping power.

On this President’s Day, we see daily how this President defies the Constitution, laws, and court orders.

I’ve previously written about judges who have pushed back on ICE tactics and ICE’s routine violation of the rights of people, whether immigrants or citizens. A recent Reuters report dove into court actions arising from ICE’s actions and found that the courts have ruled over 4,000 times on how ICE has imprisoned people illegally.

Courts have ruled 4,400 times that ICE jailed people illegally. It hasn’t stopped. | Reuters. “ICE and CBP agents have routinely stopped vehicles and questioned the occupants in apparent retaliation for being followed by community members monitoring their activities.” How ICE Went Rogue: Analysis of the Legal Authorities Governing ICE – American Immigration Council.

Trump likes political protests abroad and is willing to threaten foreign governments with U.S. military action when a foreign government clamps down against protestors. “White House weighs whether to respond to the crackdown on this popular uprising against the Iranian clerical establishment, long hostile to America. President Trump has both threatened ‘strong’ military action against Iran should more demonstrators be killed”. Trump threatens ‘strong’ military action as Iran protest deaths rise: NPR. But this same man is too fragile to allow Americans to exercise their rights in protesting his actions that the courts have found violate the fundamental rights of Americans.

One of the many outlandish rationales for all the rights violations was a DHS Assistant Secretary justifying arrest and prolonged detention of an individual because she had “a conviction for passing bad checks,” and passing bad checks “does not make for an upstanding lawful permanent resident.” And how much was this check: $25 (Twenty-five dollars). She bounced a $25 check in 2014. ICE tried to deport her. – The Washington Post.

Now that DHS has clarified what undermines good character and what conduct falls short of being an upstanding, lawful person, we should ask all these government job-holding cult followers how they support a convicted criminal in the White House. The Criminal in Chief’s criminal conduct is so far beyond a $25 bad check that it does not register on a comparison meter or chart.

On this President’s Day, the only thing to remind ourselves about is whether there are any rights still available in practice to U.S. citizens. Trump’s efforts to gut the United States of its democratic principles and rights will progress without people speaking out, and defying his version of the Gestapo: DHS/ICE. While those wearing badges and carrying guns are doing the dirty work, none of this would be possible without approval from the very top. As the small sign once read: the buck stops here and “here” is the President’s desk.

This President is not worthy of any respect, not worthy of deference, and most definitely not worthy of us voting for anyone who supports his anti-American mode of governing.

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About the Timothy Trainer: Writing books is a passion for attorney Timothy Trainer, who for more than three decades focused on intellectual property issues in his day job. He has worked in government agencies and in the private sector and his assignments have taken him to 60 countries around the world.

Tim found time to pen a few non-fiction tomes, including his first book, Customs Enforcement of Intellectual Property Rights; the 15th edition was published in 2022. Thomson Reuters’ Aspatore Books published Tim’s next title in 2015, Potato Chips to Computer Chips: The War on Fake Stuff. 

Fiction was a genre he always wanted to try. In 2019, Pendulum Over the Pacific, was released by Joshua Tree Publishing. “This political intrigue story is set in Tokyo and Washington, D.C., and centers on trade tensions between the U.S. and Japan in the late 1980s,” Tim explains.

In 2023, his first series hit bookstores: The China Connection.

In 2025, he published the sequel, The China Factor, which ranked #63 on the Amazon Asian Literature list in May.

Click here to learn about all of Tim’s books.

Read

Feb. 5, 2026: National Insecurity is Center Stage

Don’t miss this week’s blog post by IP attorney, author and podcaster Timothy Trainer

Follow Tim on Substack

After a year of Trump II, there are so many ways in which this administration has demonstrated to us (U.S.) and the world its fragility, fears, and insecurities. What is astonishing is how much this administration fears the very things millions abroad viewed as our strengths.

A recent headline made by our Secretary of Cosmetics, sorry, Secretary of “War”, regarding his threats to the Scouts is a perfect example. A Washington Post headline on February 3, 2026, reads, “Pentagon warns Scouts to make ‘core value reforms’ or lose military support:” Pentagon warns Scouts to make ‘core value reforms’ or lose military support – The Washington Post. The Pentagon takes the view that the Scouts do not embrace core values and will not retain support from the military unless it implements core values.

Whose values? Is there some committee at the Pentagon that determines what constitutes “core values”? Is there a room full of generals who do this? Are core values determined by a group of angry old white males? Nothing in the article tells us this.

One suggestion is for the Secretary of Cosmetics to learn more about the people who serve in uniform. According to some of the most recent demographic information available, nearly a third of active-duty military personnel (32.5%) self-identify as a member of a racial minority group (Black or African American, Asian, American Indian or Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander, Multi-racial, or Unknown): 2024 Demographic Profile Active-Duty Members.

Something else that might shock the faux macho man is that women now account for about 17.9% of all active-duty troops: 2024 Demographic Profile: Active-Duty Members.

In 1994, a female F-18 pilot became the first American woman to fly a combat mission: Meet the First American Women to Fly Combat Missions | Smithsonian Voices | National Air and Space Museum Smithsonian Magazine. Perhaps someone at the Pentagon should read bedtime military history stories to our Pentagon chief.

The Pentagon chief, given his narrow-minded approach, is likely ignorant of the fact that in 2017 the Department of Defense released a new table of “Faith and Belief Codes” listing over 200 denominations and religious groups. How the US military embraced America’s religious diversity. This development acknowledges how diverse the military active-duty community is regarding religious affiliation.

Before attacking the scouts, Hegseth should understand the core values that make the men and women in uniform strong as a fighting and defense force. He should spend more time understanding the demographics of those serving in uniform because those people who are serving are representing core values, not his shallow values.

The saddest thing about this “core values” talk from the Secretary of Cosmetics (War?) is that he deliberately ignores and overlooks the fact that DEI was, in many ways, led by the military even if it was involuntary at the beginning. The diversity and inclusiveness within the armed forces began decades before Hegseth took his first breath. His constant attack on DEI simply reflects his own insecurities and those of his ultimate boss. Having lived the military life and served on active duty before Hegseth took his first step, his so-called “core values” are not in keeping with the tradition of the military’s diversity and inclusiveness and is a betrayal of the military’s post-World War II history.

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About the Timothy Trainer: Writing books is a passion for attorney Timothy Trainer, who for more than three decades focused on intellectual property issues in his day job. He has worked in government agencies and in the private sector and his assignments have taken him to 60 countries around the world.

Tim found time to pen a few non-fiction tomes, including his first book, Customs Enforcement of Intellectual Property Rights; the 15th edition was published in 2022. Thomson Reuters’ Aspatore Books published Tim’s next title in 2015, Potato Chips to Computer Chips: The War on Fake Stuff. 

Fiction was a genre he always wanted to try. In 2019, Pendulum Over the Pacific, was released by Joshua Tree Publishing. “This political intrigue story is set in Tokyo and Washington, D.C., and centers on trade tensions between the U.S. and Japan in the late 1980s,” Tim explains.

In 2023, his first series hit bookstores: The China Connection.

In 2025, he published the sequel, The China Factor, which ranked #63 on the Amazon Asian Literature list in May.

Click here to learn about all of Tim’s books.

Watch

Listen Listen to the podcast on Inkandescent Radio February 2026, Ep10 Tim’s Travails: School safety is the theme of this month’s interview with Luis D. Aponte, author of “A Safe Place” February 2026: In this month's podcast interview, Tim asks author Luis Aponte — What inspired you to dedicate seven years of your life to researching school shootings and writing this book? Was there a specific moment or event that motivated you to take on this project? Your book emphasizes the importance of emotional intelligence and mastery in preventing school shootings. Can you share practical tips for parents and educators to help children develop these skills? And so much more! Read

February 2026, Ep10 Tim’s Travails: School safety is the theme of this month’s interview with Luis D. Aponte, author of “A Safe Place”

February 2026 — This month on IP attorney and author Timothy Trainer’s podcast/video show we meet school safety expert, author, and podcaster Luis D. Aponte.

Today’s Topic: The Real Story Behind School Safety — How to Prevent the Next School Shooting

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About Tim’s Travails: In this podcast/video sereis, IP attorney and author Tim Trainer introduce us to experts around the country who have insight into the law, international trade, and more, to help us better understand our world in 2025 and beyond.

Tim, himself, fits the bill for he worked for three decades for the US government and private law firms focusing on international trade, and has developed a deep understanding of global economics and politics.

Writing books is his passion. The author of seven books as of 2025, he has penned several non-fiction tomes, including his first book, Customs Enforcement of Intellectual Property Rights; the 15th edition was published in 2020. Thomson Reuters’ Aspatore Books published Tim’s next title in 2015, Potato Chips to Computer Chips: The War on Fake Stuff.  Fiction was a genre he always wanted to try. In 2017, Pendulum Over the Pacific was released by Joshua Tree Publishing. “This political intrigue story is set in Tokyo and Washington, D.C., and centers on trade tensions between the U.S. and Japan in the late 1980s,” Tim explains. In 2023, his first series hit bookstores: The China Connection. In December 2024, he followed it with The China Factor. 

Stay tuned for more episodes on InkandescentRadio.com and Inkandescent.tv, and of course, log in regularly for new blog entries and other information on Tim’s website, www.TimothyTrainer.com.

Read

January 20, 2026: “Year One of Trump II — Thank You”

Don’t miss this week’s blog post by IP attorney, author and podcaster Timothy Trainer

Follow Tim on Substack

Time provides perspective and context for things. As a result, it seems appropriate that as we mark a year since Trump II began that we or, specifically, I give thanks even though it isn’t Thanksgiving.

Before giving thanks, it’s worth reminding ourselves that the popular vote result of the 2024 presidential election was closer than many might think. The popular vote percentage won by the two major party candidates was Trump/Vance 49.8% v. Harris/Walz 48.3%: 2024 | The American Presidency Project. Those who helped place a flawed man, correction, a criminal in the Oval Office have informed me more about the United States than anything in all the previous decades that I’ve experienced.

It is accurate to refer to the man in the Oval Office as a criminal because of the guilty verdict delivered in New York by a jury finding him guilty of all 34 charges in a scheme to illegally influence the 2016 election through a hush money payment to a porn star: Trump hush money verdict: Guilty of all 34 counts | AP News.

Placing a man who has been adjudicated as a sexual abuser: Jury finds Trump liable for sexual abuse, awards E. Jean Carroll $5M | AP News, Federal appeals court upholds sexual abuse verdict against Trump | CNN Politics, and a fraudster: Trump fraud ruling adds to his string of legal losses in New York – CBS News into the White House a second time might’ve been a hint as to what would unfold. He told the electorate what consumed him, angered him, drove him: retribution and exercising power. Ignoring the complete lack of integrity and honesty of this man educates me about millions of my fellow citizens. Thank you for showing me how little character, integrity and honesty really matter.

Placing a known fraudster into the Oval Office was bound to lead the country into dangerous waters. Who can ignore the warning as far back as 2016. “Pillage is Trump’s business model. Trump has been embroiled in hundreds of lawsuits for refusal to pay contractors and workers at his projects across the country:” Billionaire Trump Fleeces Workers, Small Businesses – United Steelworkers. I extend a big thank you to my fellow blue collar, hard-working citizens who supported a man well known to stiff hard-working, blue-collar citizens. Apparently, a fraudster and known fleecer was more attractive to vote for than a woman of color who did not have any history of cheating people out of their pay checks.

Voting a known fraudster and sexual abuser into the Oval Office exposed a myth. Despite the self-proclamation of millions to be on the side of good simply because they are seen in pews and houses of worship, they support the criminal. It’s difficult if not impossible to excuse them the second time around. Millions speak of the importance of integrity and honesty then turn and support the criminal unable to speak the truth about anything. Millions opted to see no evil and hear no evil. These millions are worthy of my thanks for justifying my skepticism of those who self-promote their faith and religion too loudly.

I’m thankful to the millions who support the false patriot occupying the Oval Office, draping himself in the flag while undermining everything it represents. The loudmouth man in the Oval Office evaded service when it was his time but talks like a tough guy while surrounded by his secret service detail. To suggest that this self-centered man is a patriot is an insult to every person who has ever taken the oath and worn the uniform to protect and defend the country. Yes, I’m thankful knowing that millions give lip-service to that phrase “thank you for your service” as many put a draft evader on a pedestal while he undermines the constitution and the rule of law that many have given their life and blood to defend.

For decades, I suspected that there was a quiet underlying level of racism/bigotry waiting to erupt. Now, it has. Millions applaud and are proud of the way masked federal law enforcement officers are dragging people of color and immigrants out of cars, houses, stores. Suddenly, even when law enforcement officers attack citizens, it is acceptable to many. I’m thankful that we have fully exposed the level of racism, bigotry and violence people are willing to support and accept from our masked federal officers as long as it’s someone else.

I’m thankful knowing that millions embrace the fraud, the lies, the twisting of facts. I’m thankful knowing that millions of fellow citizens no longer believe in research, science, and the value of learning as we turn away from so much that has contributed to what was the greatest country on earth. Millions oppose high standards and goals in all those areas that attracted the best and brightest to our shores.

I’m thankful for a spineless corps of elected officials who fear a few insults from the criminal in the Oval Office. They’d rather cower to the criminal than fulfil their oath to represent the people. It’s much easier to despise these elected officials given their cowardice.

Recent days have been filled with a demonstration of U.S. bullying, saber rattling and chaos creation. From threats to military actions in various countries, cutting ties with allies over Greenland, and continuing to allow masked, armed federal officers to wreak havoc in U.S. cities, it’ nice to know that the only people who seem immune and happy over all of this is the mega-rich as the stock market keeps returning riches to the rich.

As year one of Trump II ends, we should all be thankful knowing how we’ve allowed a criminal to break a country so easily and quickly.

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About the Timothy Trainer: Writing books is a passion for attorney Timothy Trainer, who for more than three decades focused on intellectual property issues in his day job. He has worked in government agencies and in the private sector and his assignments have taken him to 60 countries around the world.

Tim found time to pen a few non-fiction tomes, including his first book, Customs Enforcement of Intellectual Property Rights; the 15th edition was published in 2022. Thomson Reuters’ Aspatore Books published Tim’s next title in 2015, Potato Chips to Computer Chips: The War on Fake Stuff. 

Fiction was a genre he always wanted to try. In 2019, Pendulum Over the Pacific, was released by Joshua Tree Publishing. “This political intrigue story is set in Tokyo and Washington, D.C., and centers on trade tensions between the U.S. and Japan in the late 1980s,” Tim explains.

In 2023, his first series hit bookstores: The China Connection.

In 2025, he published the sequel, The China Factor, which ranked #63 on the Amazon Asian Literature list in May.

Click here to learn about all of Tim’s books.

Read

Jan. 12, 2026: “Regression as Progress?” by IP attorney and author Timothy Trainer

We are on the verge of reaching that one-year milestone since this administration came to be. About the only thing that represents progress are the hourly, daily reports about artificial intelligence (AI) and how that is changing our world in so many ways. Is that progress?

In the United States, aside from AI as a modern-day miracle that allows non-human ways of doing so much, there are signs of regression. There are developments in numerous areas where regression is the new norm, and there are far too many to list. Having recently mentioned the issue of the increased numbers of some childhood diseases due to the current anti-vaccination stance of many, a few other areas of regression are noted below.

Decades of work to evolve into an inclusive and knowledgeable society is now halted by overly sensitive and “snowflake” conservatives. We have an administration that fears facts and historical events and that comes through with executive orders titled in ways that describe its fears: Ending Radical Indoctrination in K-12 Schooling – The White House and Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History – The White House. Witnessing this administration’s undermining of teaching historical facts and its efforts at erasing events exposes the fear it has of basic history.

A nation that can’t face up to and teach its history of slavery, its unequal treatment of certain groups of people, its withholding of benefits based on gender or race, its continuing inability to recognize the uniqueness of certain individuals demonstrates its weaknesses and fears.

The administration’s immigration policies, reflecting the fears of many that people of color might someday make up the majority population, expose its racial tendencies. How else to explain an executive order that paved the way for white South Africans to enter the United States as refugees (DCPD-202500239.pdf) while issuing other executive orders banning immigrants from numerous countries where the population is made up of people of color: Restricting The Entry of Foreign Nationals to Protect the United States from Foreign Terrorists and Other National Security and Public Safety Threats – The White House. The immigration policy complements the policy on education by focusing less on people of color and women.

For all the talk about making the country great again, the administration has gone to great lengths to weaken the country through its drastic cuts to research funding. Billions of dollars have been cut to university research: Will higher education researchers leave for opportunities abroad? | Higher Ed Dive. This leaves researchers in a state of limbo. More importantly, it makes them vulnerable to being approached by universities and governments abroad to continue research in critical areas. This impact can have negative effects on future economic growth.

As a result of the cuts to research, the European Research Council has reported that the number of U.S. applicants for research grants has tripled since 2024: Brain drain: Many scientists see better research options overseas | STAT. As the U.S. is seen as a less favorable place for scientific research, it gives China an opening to approach and offer incentives to U.S. researchers left out in the cold.

Finally, another indicator of this administration’s commitment to the past is its April 2025 Executive Order emphasizing continued reliance on coal: Reinvigorating America’s Beautiful Clean Coal Industry and Amending Executive Order 14241 – The White House. This administration is bent on remaining married to the past while cancelling projects that would move the country to cleaner energy production: Wind and solar power frozen out of Trump permitting push | Reuters. Overall, whether it is energy production or auto industry conversion to electric vehicles and hybrids, the administration looks to the past more than the future.

The recent abduction of Venezuela’s Maduro and the subsequent reporting about the impact on China’s oil deal with that country says a lot about our backward-looking government. CNN reported that “the US intervention in Venezuela could only reinforce China’s pursuit of energy independence — attempting to produce more of its own energy at home and break reliance on foreign sources of energy that can be disrupted.” Trump wants to own Venezuela’s oil, but its largest oil customer is speeding toward clean energy | CNN.

China pursues its independence by including significant levels of solar and wind energy. It includes nuclear power as part of its overall strategy, and it is working aggressively to get fusion energy up and running in the country.

The article quotes a director at the Asia Society Policy Institute as observing that “The largest economy in the world is embracing a petrostate approach. It just reinforces this notion that the United States is increasingly going backward on the energy transition and on top of that, is very willing and able to deploy military forces to achieve that goal.”

This is where we are: the U.S. is willing to use advanced technology to develop military weapons systems and use those assets to go backward. Policies that take us backward will make it much more difficult to close gaps with adversaries who are looking forward.

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About the Timothy Trainer: Writing books is a passion for attorney Timothy Trainer, who for more than three decades focused on intellectual property issues in his day job. He has worked in government agencies and in the private sector and his assignments have taken him to 60 countries around the world.

Tim found time to pen a few non-fiction tomes, including his first book, Customs Enforcement of Intellectual Property Rights; the 15th edition was published in 2022. Thomson Reuters’ Aspatore Books published Tim’s next title in 2015, Potato Chips to Computer Chips: The War on Fake Stuff. 

Fiction was a genre he always wanted to try. In 2019, Pendulum Over the Pacific, was released by Joshua Tree Publishing. “This political intrigue story is set in Tokyo and Washington, D.C., and centers on trade tensions between the U.S. and Japan in the late 1980s,” Tim explains.

In 2023, his first series hit bookstores: The China Connection.

In 2025, he published the sequel, The China Factor, which ranked #63 on the Amazon Asian Literature list in May.

Click here to learn about all of Tim’s books.