The Globe and Mail reports in its Tuesday edition that the trade decrees President Donald Trump signed on Feb. 1 allow him to increase tariff rates if the targeted countries retaliate. The Globe's regular guest columnist Gordon Pape writes that Canada and Mexico have already announced they will do exactly that if the tariffs are imposed after March 4. Mr. Trump's personality suggests he would double-down in that circumstance. Mr. Pape says the 25-per-cent rate may be nothing more than an opening bid. Mr. Pape recommends Trump-proofing your portfolio with gold. He says gold is currently the best hedge against U.S. political turbulence, with central banks and institutions heavily buying. The TSX Global Gold Index has risen 20.5 per cent this year. Mr. Pape says some of his recommended mining stocks have done well. Franco-Nevada is up 19.5 per cent (to Feb. 7). Pan American Silver is ahead 20.6 per cent this year. Agnico Eagle Mines is up 24.9 per cent. Equinox Gold has gained more than 30 per cent. However, a word of caution. Not all gold stocks are posting big gains. For example, Barrick Gold is up only 9.2 per cent this year after the company shut down its operations in Mali after a conflict with the government.