What a joke. Three points to make:
(1) There are reasons, other than financial, for giving help to other countries either via tariff programs or USAID. It is called security. The system of established levies has given the world stability with secure markets. International trade, esp. since World War II, has made the U.S. a phenomenally rich nation. Frankly, until Donald Trump, tariffs were almost always a deranged niche left-wing idea. How did this insanity get into the Republican party?Even if, for the sake of argument, the tariffs could work in their stated goal of bring manufacturing back to America; they won’t have enough time to work. The pain of the transition will be so great the House will fall to the Democrats in 2026 and the White House will fall to them in 2028. At that point the tariffs will be lifted, if not already.
(2) No respect or consideration given to alliances. E.g. take Israel. They have almost no tariffs on U.S. goods to begin with. As a gesture of goodwill, the Knesset abolished some few remaining tariffs a few days ago. How was it “reciprocal” to put a 17 percent tax rate on Israeli goods?
(3) Even if I agreed with these tariffs (which I don’t), I am extremely disturbed by the sweeping unilateral authority Trump is claiming under the guise of “emergency powers”. No one man, and his pen, should have this much power over the global economy.
We have to hope that the courts stop him. This is illegal because either (1) setting taxes is an inherently non-delegable legislative function and/or (2) the U.S. trade deficit doesn’t meet the “emergency” threshold definition as the required basis for the order.
The issue might be if they ever have a fair election again. One wonders.
ReplyDeleteThis is probably a blip. I think we'll return to normality soon.
DeleteHe is a demented (literally) fool. It's Congress that should be stopping this, since it's their authority that he's usurping, but Congress is dominated by Republicans who are afraid to challenge him.
ReplyDeleteThere have been tariffs imposed on a group of islands inhabited only by penguins, and on a British island possession which has nothing substantial on it except a US military base (Diego Garcia). This plan seems to have been concocted by lazy idiots using AI. It's hardly surprising that they didn't think to give Israel a break (Russia and North Korea escaped being tariffed, though).
I don't disagree, and I also don't like the graceless and disparaging way he conducts U.S. policy on the international scene.
DeleteIndeed, he has the mentality of a screaming toddler. He's a spoiled brat how has never in his life been called out for misbehaving. He seems incapable of respect for anybody.
DeleteGood points. Indeed, it's the Republicans who should be stopping him in his tracks, but they're afraid to challenge him. Interesting contrast with the way the Conservatives ousted Liz Truss rapidly after they objected to her mini-budget. Unfortunately Trump as elected president can't be ousted so easily and would have be impeached or some such.
ReplyDeleteIndeed, and it's a great opportunity to review the incredible Presidential powers, including the pardon.
DeleteI agree. It's such a stupid thing for him to be doing. It seems like he's going to do whatever he wants this term because he knows he can't run again so why not.
ReplyDeleteWile E. Coyote got a bomb from Acme and is determined to wreck the world economy with it. Let's hope it blows up in his face.
ReplyDeleteMy super is looking quite sad at this moment
ReplyDeleteThe courts won't stop him because even if some judges feel very brave, they will lose their judicial positions :(
ReplyDeleteIt's interesting to see how it will unfold. If he doesn't like what the judges say he will get rid of them - like Hels said.
ReplyDeleteHe is like a bull in a china shop, sadly it is the world he is wrecking but somehow I think something will happen to stop this man and his underlings from creating an even bigger disaster. Take heart from the Tesla sales slump.
ReplyDeleteNothing seems to stop him. He ignores the rule of law.
ReplyDelete