TARIFFS and THE MEDIA
We have a president with no education or experience with tariffs making decisions to impose tariffs on all the world's nations. Trump’s economic experience is selling real estate and borrowing money for the projects he directs. Most economists believe that Trump's tariffs are wrong and will destabilize the world’s economy and lead to a recession in the U.S. How has Trump been able to exert power over the economy, as these decisions are the responsibility of Congress?
Historically, Congress set tariffs and maintained tight control over this power. However, over time, particularly after the Great Depression, there was a change in delegating some authority to the executive branch. This began with the Reciprocal Trade Agreements Act of 1934, allowing the President to negotiate trade agreements without separate congressional approval each time. The Trade Expansion Act of 1962 and the Trade Act of 1974 expanded by presidential authority.
Under our Constitution, Section 232 of the 1962 Act only enables the President to impose tariffs if imports threaten national security or in response to unfair foreign trade practices. Careful analysis must uncover proof of unfair foreign trade practices.
The Supreme Court has emphasized that any delegation of power must include an “intelligible principle” to direct and limit the President’s use of this authority. While the President can negotiate and respond to immediate threats, the imposition of generalized tariffs still requires congressional approval, reinforcing the separation of powers fundamental to our constitutional republic.
While none of the statements made here are incorrect, the Fourth Estate continues to report the absurdity of Trump’s tariffs while failing to acknowledge that his actions are wrong and possibly illegal.
The job of press reporters is not to be friends with presidents but to insist on factual reporting. When Trump claims,” America has been ripped off by other countries in trade,” reporters must ask for specific examples rather than accept this emotional statement without comment.
Trump is playing to the uneducated people while hoping no one will notice that his actions are without a logical basis. Therefore, the press is the villain, and not this ill-educated president.
Trump is not wise, which is evident every day, so expecting him to make wise decisions is hopeless. He should surround himself with intelligent people and listen to their counsel, but his personality interferes with allowing this to occur.
The best outcome for Trump's time in office is that he will go down in flames before this takes place in America.
