Donald Trump’s tariffs against Mexico are even more loco than we thought
Donald “Tariff Happy” Trump announced that effective June 10, the United States planned to impose a 5% tariff on all goods coming into the United States from Mexico. The plan was that, by making consumers in the United States pay more, Mexico would somehow be motivated to address the migrants who are coming from Central America.
Trump did it the normal way he does policy, by tweeting about it. On May 30, he tweeted: “On June 10th, the United States will impose a 5% Tariff on all goods coming into our Country from Mexico, until such time as illegal migrants coming through Mexico, and into our Country, STOP. The Tariff will gradually increase until the Illegal Immigration problem is remedied at which time the Tariffs will be removed. Details from the White House to follow.”
Trump followed up by confirming that was the intention. The feckless GOP Republicans have been silent on just about everything that comes from Trump and his administration. But apparently, even the GOP has limits. Senate Republicans publicly sent an unmistakably clear message to Trump on his latest plan – do not ask us to vote on this, because you will not have the votes to carry your water.
Trump has also suggested he will declare a second national emergency to address the tariffs, which is preposterous and is another losing idea. However, even on this, the GOP Senators warned Trump they would have more votes to end this national emergency if declared than they did when he declared a national emergency for the immigration and border issue. Perhaps the Republicans are finally coming to the same conclusion we have all known for some time – Trump es loco.
Daniel is a lawyer writing and teaching about SCOTUS, and is the author of the book “The Chief Justices” about the SCOTUS as seen through the center seat.