The 18th district of Pennislvania, you have been heard.
Now lets see how it turns out.
I can't wait for the lawsuits. Trump has never invoked 'national security' as a reason to invoke these tarriffs, which means they've totally external to his authority: only Congress can invoke economic tarriffs.
This is basically his travel ban all over again.
3
From the mouth of Putin to the pen of Trump. Who knew that Russia would have such an easy time dismantling Western Democracies, sowing discord through his White House puppet?
4
Donald cavalierly destabilizes the global economy and then pulls back.
Does he understand what being president means?
3
In a word, no. He has no idea what his job description is.
2
David Dennison is extorting something from the GOP. Question is what?
2
Apparently Celebrity Apprentice President will use tariffs to blackmail our allies into agreeing to what he considers fair trade deals. He gives new meaning to the term "Ugly American."
5
Still winning. Another campaign promise kept. Trump once again looking out for middle class working men and women of America. Let the the rich elitists cry.
These are going to be some stormy tariffs.
2
It sure looks like the sociopath, Trump, is in the employ of the Kremlin as one of Putin's goals is to create increasing conflict between the US and its European allies. Imposing these tariffs is both foolhardy and stupid. Then again, with a narcissistic half wit like Trump in the White House, it is also no surprise. He and his smarmy army of low intelligence lackeys are doing everything they can to destroy whatever goodwill the US had prior to his becoming POTUS. At the rate Trump is going, it will take decades to repair the damages he is causing, but hey, Putin is happy, so who cares?
4
Maggie, I don't know where Trump's idea on Tariffs on Steel and Aluminum came from. The Republicans have told him it's not good for the Economy. Donald J Trump has no VALUES, no respect for the Rule of LAW or the Presidency. Trump's dereliction of duty is staggering, the damage to the Country is beyond reason. The lands Trump is poisoning,the land "Grabs" , i.e. Bear's Ears in Utah. I thought the Monuments Designation was protected by the Antiquities Act. President Barack Obama designated Bears Ears so there could be no Mining, Tree Harvesting, Oil and gas industry, & pipelines. I don't know how Trump has the right to " Pollute our Country, destroy our Democracy, Pollute the Ocean's. DJT isnt fit for the Presidency.
2
The US steel industry's decline didn't sneak up on management. I'm sure many American based companies formed partnerships with foreign steel manufacturers. That's not Nationalist, that just sound management. The truth is hard to assimilate in any mind when opposed by interest.
1
The damage Trump is doing to our country and portions of the free world is unimaginable. It's as if he got a to do 'Damage List" from Putin .
5
Robert, the Republicans enable Trump to continue with his policies,they're trying to protect Trump by attacking Special Counsel Robert Mueller, who is an impeccable seeker of the TRUTH. The Republicans know Robert Mueller is diligent, they know he's found a lot of proof & evidence, the GOP is undermining Mueller's investigation into the Russian connection to protect Trump. Are the Republicans on the precipice of breaking the law? Special Counsel Robert Mueller needs to complete the Investigation, there's definitely something bad going on, there are Russians at every turn.
1
When will both Republicans and Democrats finally stand up and declare that enough is enough? How far down the rabbit hole will Trump need to go before that happens? Will it be after he has destroyed the very fabric as to what truly does make America great? Will it be after he has destroyed democracy, creating a country that we no longer recognize as America? When will we stand? When will we rise?
5
So Mr. "I-have-been-stripped-of-top-security-clearance-and-thus-have-no-real-power" Kushner goes to Mexico to negotiate tariff exemptions in exchange for what, wall approval?
The WORST: Kushner excludes our US Ambassador, Roberta Jacobson from meetings with President Enrique Peña Nieto and Mexican Foreign Minister Luis Videgaray.
Ambassador Jacobson, who is among the State Department’s top experts on Latin America, served in the U.S. government for 31 years.
But Trump thinks his disgraced-son-in-law, Jared, who is under federal investigation and can't even answer security clearance questions truthfully, knows so much more than our highly distinguished, career diplomat, Ambassador Roberta Jacobson.
8
The US is the wealthiest country in the world per capita and has capitalized on free trade. The real problem is that the benefits of free trade were taken by the top 10% of the population, leaving the bottom 90% to struggle. The troubles of the 90% are blamed on free trade, government, media, and liberals. The real issue is income inequality driven by unrestrained capitalism and the manipulation of our government by the rich, not free trade.
7
He wants to make Mars out of US. That ought to make Musk's task easy.
Rust belt problem will be solved because there won't even be any rust left.
1
Trump is so obvious. He tweets his latest policy initiative. Then he sits back to see what the reaction is. The pundits and press go crazy. His base goes "yeah!" (see: Trump issues transgender ban in military) Then he either walks it back, issues qualifications, or does nothing further. It's like he's walking out on an icy pond, waiting to hear the sound of the ice cracking before going further. He thinks he can have it both ways. He is ignorant and a coward to boot. Flock to the polls, my friends - this man is a clear and present danger to the Republic.
5
Could it be that the border wall Trump wants to build is between the United States and the rest of the world? For Americans who see Trump for what he truly he is, I hope not. For the Trump supporters, well, you are along for the rocky ride we are about to take.
2
I have a more general proposal. Rather than imposing tariffs on specific goods, how about having automatic application of foreign trade restrictions on the goods they want to sell here. For example, if a Chinese company wants to sell technology products here, they have to transfer the technology, just as they require of US companies operating there. Or, if a Korean company wants to sell cars here, it has to go through the same certification and distribution requirements that they apply to US cars there. Parallel reciprocity.
Throw every Republican out of office at every opportunity, at all levels of government. No one who still identifies with the Republican party deserves a position in government anywhere, at any level. They knowingly brought this upon our country. The ballot box is our only hope, if we can even trust in that at this point.
If China is smart, they should not annoy Trump's supporters with a retaliation on Ag imports. Give Trump another term will be much beneficial to China.
1
Not surprisingly, domestic steel prices are already increasing, based on profit fears and opportunism to get ahead of competition. The real victims are the down-the-line fabricators of steel and aluminum products whose profits will diminish as they compete with imports not subject to the raw material tariffs. Some, according to news report, are beginning layoffs- the very people that supported Trump. His policies are not creating jobs, they just benefit him and his cronies. Where are the promised jobs in the coal and petro industries, the jobs promised to bring the infrastructure out of the 20th century? The only jobs he and his GOP cohorts created are for accountants, tax loophole experts and border patrol.
2
1. Bounce Stormy off the front page.
2. Help Republican in Tuesday's special election in PA.
3. See light on Wednesday morning at 3 a.m.; change mind about tariffs.
3
Trump hatred has gotten so out of hand that fairness is disregarded. Unless I'm missing something governments are formed to serve its citizens. After Vietnam,Iraq,Afghanistan,Somolia and Libya I'm beginnig to wonder.
Everyonee is for free trade but unfortunately it is not fair trade. Foreign governments subsidies and taraffis have blocked US goods from entering there countries. By instituting reciprical trade tariffs we are leveling the playing field.
As outlined on the campaign trail many times Trump is trying to protect our jobs. Isn't that the purpose of government in the first place
We should keep it simple, because Trump does. Trump is probably in debt after the 2008 crash. We know for a fact that Kushner is in massive debt. If it becomes more expensive to build new buildings, which will happen with this tariff -- then it will drive up the price of the real estate that already exists -- potentially increasing the value of Trumps buildings and certainly helping the value of the boondoggle Kushner owns.
If it helps them, they want it. Do not overthink what Trump feels about steel. Every policy is always about lining his own pocketbook.
17
Make Trump Great Again. Forget America. This man should be held accountable for all the damages inflicted to this country but he knows that he can go over and over undeterred and unpunished, capitalizing on his abuse of power. Eventually for Trump gaining a bunch of votes in Pennsylvania or Ohio is worth the disruption of the global trade.
8
This is a temporary furor, albeit one that can have considerable consequences. Watch - as soon as that special election in Pennsylvania is over, he'll chuck the whole thing. That's the real reason for this circus.....trying to lure steel workers to vote Republican. They've already spent something like $10 million on this race - for a district that will no longer exist after the voting districts are realigned following a court order to reduce gerrymandering.
11
"107 Republican members of the House of Representatives sent a letter to the president expressing concern about broad tariffs.." So they express concern, but dont actually do anything. The Republican controlled Congress could stop the tariffs if they actually wanted to do so, but standing up to Donald requires a spine and we have seen time and time again that spines are in short supply in Congress.
12
Hilarious.
The GOP spent 8 years declaring 'uncertainty' the enemy of America's economic growth, and excoriating BHO and the Dems on this matter.
Now, they have enabled and are protecting a human 'uncertainty spark plug' in the form of Trump.
If there is a room filled with gas fumes Trump will find it and begin issuing sparks.
The GOP is getting exactly what it deserves.
Unfortunately the rest of us will be dragged down with them.
Another thing to remember; The Trump base and most GOP voters are in a state of Trump euphoria. They are very energized and ready to go vote.
2018 IS NOT IN THE BAG, DNC!
Sad. . .
3
The Chinese and the Russians are thrilled that the US has a completely ignorant and incompetent fool managing economic practices for the US. The Republican Party is completely to blame for placing this know-nothing Trump in the Oval Office. They have no respect for the American people whatsoever!!
4
Russia had a major role in getting Trump elected president. Putin approves because he chose Trump for the role of Putin's puppet. He owns Trump because Trump owes money to Russian oligarchs and can't pay. Trump is desperate and will do what Putin wants. I'm sure Putin and his buddies are having a lot of fun watching Americals running around tearing out their hair. It would be funny if it weren't so dangerous.
1
This president is literally getting away with murder - the country is withering on the vine because of his policies, unethical, egocentric behavior and sheer incompetency. It is time to IMPEACH AND REMOVE this blight and disgrace upon the presidency of the United States. Bring it on, Bob Mueller.
8
So tariffs on imported steel, except with exemptions that will nullify its effect on key trading partners.
Just another tweet storm reversal.
This isn't about steel or economic nationalism or really anything other than this wretched individual's addled mind and impulsive kvetching on Twitter.
Finally, his sheer idiocy is beginning to irritate he enablers in Congress. What a disgrace: laying low the greatest nation on earth in one year's time, while claiming to make us great "again."
At least the Times has documented that that outrageous tax give-away ("tax bill") doesn't seem to be fooling all Trump voters.
2
Once again Trump demonstrates his unfitness for the Presidency or any public office. Precipitating a trade war is a very bad idea!!!
7
Repeal 22nd Amendment. Trump forever!. Long live late-night TV.
Five hundred, or even 5,000 new jobs in steel and aluminum plants are a pittance compared to the impact across the nation. Steel nails and screws and the earthquake clips to protect from fracking caused earthquakes will cut into construction costs and jobs just as we try to meet higher housing demand. I ask the NYT and other sources to follow the money and see who will b benefiting from these tariffs.
3
Literally a child saying "you can't tell me what to do."
His indictments cannot come soon enough
8
Nailed it perfectly.
Trump is the proverbial bull in a china shop. His clumsy, thoughtless and reckless actions will disrupt the economy of this country and that of our trading partners, opening the door for China and Putin to step in to take over America's position as leader of world trade.
He is either:
a) ignorant
b) just plain stupid
c) handing our democracy over to a hostile power
d) all of the above.
If you answered 'd' you are probably correct.
6
The damage this creature known as “Trump” is wreaking on our country is incalculable.
And this foolhardy protectionism and 19th-century-thinking tariff is just the latest.
And we are paralyzed by our “Constitution” in not having the 2/3 majority in the Senate to remove him from office.
Woe is me, and woe is most Americans.
5
Now we have to update Donald's kindergarten report from "Does not play well with others," to "Does not play well with anyone."
7
I think I heard Bernie Sanders on CNN last night agreeing with actions similar to Trump's on restricting steel and other products from imports, at least from China. Because Canada and Mexico are our neighbors with a close knit transportation system they easily qualify for exemptions based on national security during a war, for example. As Bernie put it, we are ina trade war even now.
1
Another reason Bernie lost.
2
Just like all else that Trump does, he announces something that will make headlines, but has not been thought out, has not had input from experts on the issue, and has no skin in the game for the ultimate result of either his pronouncements not the ramifications if these "policies" are actually enacted. This strategy is probably OK in real estate negotiations and deals. The only ones who are affected are those making the deals. But what Trump does has national and international implications, many of which not only will turn everything topsy turvy, but will impact the world for generations to come...i.e., climate change, global alliances, diplomacy, military action, economic strategies. We truly need to find a way to muzzle his worst self -- maybe give him (in a locked room) a good hairdresser, a bunch of babes (armed with tasers), and a giant mirror so he can satisfy he ego, and a TV that spools reruns of FoxNews.
As many have said, he is a clear and present danger to the U.S. in every corner of our democracy and nation.
4
You have to wonder if the Trump is only doing this because he actually hates this country and wants to see it fail. Is it possible that he is so narcissistic and sensitive to criticism that he actually believes he's a victim and not a victor of the 2016 election?
5
Gotta give Trump a break here...
He's just is following Putin's orders.
1
So US Steel might add a handful of jobs, but many thousands more will be lost because of high prices for raw materials forcing cost-cutting measures on companies downstream, and prices will rise for food and other goods for consumers whose wages are stagnant, a cost of living increase that is otherwise avoidable. Beyond that, we're antagonizing and alienating countries whose help we need to maintain peace and security elsewhere. This is just dumb layered on dumb, and the damage will take years to undo.
4
There is a tariff equivalent to a ban on the truth wherever it may emanate. On the topic at hand, import/export trade differentials and the plausibility of tariff application, we are receiving nothing but machinations without any modern reference of success.
1
The GOP Congress has the power to do something about this nearsighted action, and a host of other evils- doubt they have the guts. Voters should make them pay for putting their self interests before the nation's interests.
2
Our trade deficit is a drain on the currency supply, as is wealth accumulation. The way to fight those is increased spending of the fiat currency on infrastructure, including education and health care. Trump knows the national debt is not a real debt and that we can never run out of money or fail to pay our commitments, but Ryan is pushing him around on economics. Our trade partners give us real resources in trade for numbers we digitally pull out of our collective backsides. Ya, that's a horrible deal. America doesn't want the pollution or the dangerous and backbreaking jobs back. It wants the money. Trump can give it what it wants and shore up the industry with "real" infrastructure spending contracts specifying US sourced metals if he's worried about our production capabilities deteriorating.
1
The "good" people in politics-Christian Republicans made a deal with Trump, with Putin's puppet, with the devil. Now they will reap their "reward": trade wars and more and more economic chaos for the country they pretend to love and have taken an oath to protect.
His deluded base are waiting for "their Savior" to turn back the clock back to the eighties, a time when they felt empowered and had the dignity of a well-paying job in industries that are now long defunct.
Instead of leading them forward into the jobs of the future all Trump knows knows how to do is pretend that he can single handedly twist the global market place to his will, resurrect dead industries and return them to their former days of glory.
It's so sad, so pathetic and so misguided, and delusional.
Please wake me up when the base figures out they have have been messed with, go after their betrayers with pitchforks and torches, and this nightmare of "a Presidency" is finally over!
2
What about exempting UK and/or EU? Prefer point out they're part of the problem?
You really need to ask yourself who Trump is really working for. It is not the American people
Take a good look at every thing he has signed and you will see that corporations, the really wealthy, China and Russia benefit from his policies to destroy our relationship with allies, domestic agencies, foreign service, environment and safety net.
He is the Manchurian candidate, aides and abetted by a complicit republican congress.
3
Did i read in this that Europe charges a tariff on American made cars, but we don't on EU cars? And China, on certain products (youtube, facebook) bans those that are American made altogether, plus restricts access on others in many ways with no retaliation from the U.S. As for Trump, he seems to be taking orders from the Kremlin, and this whole thing may be planned to distract attention from the Russia investigation.
We are seeing Trump, the self proclaimed business genius, trying one of his blunt force tactics that were one of his hallmarks as a a real estate developer. In his business dealings he was backed by lawyers hired and paid to do his bidding to threaten and hold hostage those who resisted his moves. As president, who will fill that role for him? I fear it will be the military. In any case, the collateral damage from this disruptive act will be felt by millions. No thanks.
1
This article has comments and quotes from many nations, companies and republicans. But this whole article has nothing from the democrats. Do the democrats have anything to say about this? Is there just not enough illegal immigrants for this to be an issue for them? Where is the activist judge to strike this tariff down?
5
I knew there would be a Trump supporter blaming the democrats for Trump lurching toward a trade war.
If the Trump supporter likes the direction the Trump clown car swerves, he blames the democrats for obstruction; if the Trump supporter is dismayed, he blames the democrats for not obstructing enough.
2
Republicans "implored President Trump?" The Grand Old Party is no more.
9
It's become painfully obvious that Trump is more concerned with creating chaos than moving our country forward with beneficial policies. He has helped to move Russia's goals forward at our expense. I continue to wonder what Russia has on him.
11
Follow with me on this thought... I actually HOPE that Trump goes through with this. Will it kill our economy? Perhaps it will... likely it will in the long run. HOWEVER, I think at the time it becomes painfully evident that the economy is dying prior to its last heartbeat, even the most hardened GOP will have no choice but to admit that this loser, that they so vehemently protect, is in fact a total idiot beyond any conceivable defense who is propped up by the shear volume of his family wealth alone. Times will get very hard and there will be a mass exodus of GOP followers like nothing ever seen in our nation. Trump is quite possibly the best thing to ever happen to the left, like a painful broken rib that draws the doctors attention to a cancer that surrounded it.
9
Trump is living proof that "you can't cure stupid." That I can tell you. Sad.
9
Here's Trump in an interview with Fox News in 2014 (quotes via the New Statesman):
“A lot of people live better without having a job, than with having a job. I’ve had it where you have people and you want to hire them, but they can’t take the job for a period of nine months because they’re doing better now than they would with a job.”
“You know what solves it? When the economy crashes, when the country goes to total hell, and everything is a disaster, then you’ll have riots to go back to where we used to be, when we were great.”
Sounds like he knew where we were headed in 2014.
6
I know it's not trump, but the idiots advising him (he is incapable of comprehension) Australia has an adverse trade balance with the US. 26 billion your way, OUR Prime minister said it's' real 3 times,' he ignored it, you have lost it, sadly, but then I remember in the Vietnam war my association with your senior officers, was horrifying in their in their logic, and I made sure they never knew my location in their AO unless in contact. I am very happy to expand this if any one wishes to follow up. My father who had a number of close friends in the inner circle of the JFK administration said to me, if they didn't speak English we would understand them better. I now realise what he was saying, was as Winston Churchill said ' They get it right after they have tried everything else.
5
The same way they look away from his affairs with a porn star, they look away from his stupid moves on the economy. Let's face it, they have no spine.
Republicans are blind, deaf and dumb when it comes to trump.
11
I am no economist, nor am I a Trump supporter. But I have to say that if Trump thinks this is a good idea I am going to support it. I am not the one who has built a business empire. I am not the one who owns property on every continent except Antartica. I know so many people who predicted that the market would crash the day he was elected and sold EVERYTHING!!! I have a feeling this businessman knows what he is doing. I have a feeling the market will be just fine and we may actually see the resurgence of American prominence in manufacturing. I am quite certain that ALL the opposition is political. If Obama had passed the same tariffs there would not be the breast beating we are seeing today. Bottom line is that the day the Left called Trump Hitler was the day I stoppled listening to their whining. I am throwing my support behind this man despite his failings. I suspect I am not the only one.
2
Does it not concern you at all that one of his biggest strategies for "building a business empire" has been filing bankruptcy? How do you think that strategy is going to pan out when it involves the entire economy?
1
Fewer and fewer every day.
4
Trump's success was built on other people's losses. Every time he declared bankruptcy, all the people he owed money to lost their money. He contracted with small businesses to do work, then when the work was done, he didn't pay them what he owed. If he had invested his money in index funds instead of real estate, he would be worth more now. That makes him a less-than-average businessman. When he was bankrupt and US banks wouldn't lend him any more money, Russian oligarchs bailed him out. Think about that.
4
Hmm, and this man Cohn, he was there just for the tax cut to the 1%, that done he's out of there, Back to the swamp where he's happy. He, like his boss is only looking out for himself and fellow corrupt billionaires.
5
Obviously this guy is trying to ensure that the flame marking his implosion is the BIGGEST EVER.
2
Reality check usa doesnt need to trade anything .It can build anything it concumes or waste. Trump is probley best presdient we had since george washington. People are wired negitive now media attemp to find fault everything.
1
Please let us know how Rochester is doing in a few years.
2
If we only offered free trade to countries that have an established Minimum Wage, and a wage of a certain percentage of our own, so opportunistic countries cannot take advantage by adopting just any amount in wage, we would encourage our corporations to operate here instead. It would help our local, regional and smaller-corporations nationwide to better compete for business up against our financially favored largest of corporations. It would make businesses labor cost percentages more equal between U.S. businesses. While economically, guiding more corporate money into the pockets of workers and ‘other sizes’ of U.S. businesses.
We could exempt the poorest of countries until they reached a certain set percentage increase of those nations Gross Domestic Product and then encourage our corporations to bring their business and jobs back home to the U.S. Imagine: capitalism, regulated with a moral-business ethical conscience!
Workers, worldwide, would love the U.S. if we adopted such a trade policy because worldwide businesses which can afford more in wages would pay more if they want to trade freely with the U.S.
1
Selective exemptions? So these tariffs will be another form of Trump's racism.
4
The process is typical of the sloppiness and ineptitude of this Presidency - surprise announcement of an overbroad tariff using a blunderbuss rather than targeting potentially infringing nations; changing the focus of the tariff as the winds blow or as you speak to the last person; not considering the unintended consequences of the proposed tariff; not listening to the overwhelming advice from “the best brains” against taking this action; doubling down on stupidity; and wagging the dog in an attempt to distract us from gun control, health care, low wages, an already failed tax overhaul, and the Murller investigation.
Ok, the wag the dog trick may be a considered plan, but poorly executed. Neither that, nor his various feints in Twitterland distract us from the overall disaster this man has brought to these United States. Shame on him. His affair with a porn actress and a Playboy playmate (two that have come to light); deregulation of the very banks that caused the 2007 economy crash; potential witness tampering; constantly and consistently lying to the country; attempts to obstruct justice in the Russia interference probe; nor this bad trade war fixes anything, not even Trump’s problems with us watching him. Just short deflections because we can’t keep all his tawdry, underhanded, illegal, unethical, unseemly, and selfish acts in one thought. This man is truly a disaster for the country and the world.
3
Wilbur Ross, Mr. Bankruptcy, (so called for his penchant for buying bankrupt companies and reviving them and then selling) is a hoot for Commerce Secretary. Is he planning on buying the US after Trump bankrupts us?
2
This tariff effort is typical 'Liddle' Donny Trump behavior. He throws a hand grenade into an issue. Everyone runs for cover. Flash Bang! The dust settles. Reason and logic emerge and Trump starts back peddleing. This immature president has shown us all repeatedly that 'The emperor has no clothes'. Put another way; 'Let a knave (Trump) mount a thoroughbred (The Republic) and he'll ride it until it drops everytime.'
4
The real importance of steel (and other strategic products/industries) is to be sure we have or can quickly have the capacity to produce or get what is necessary for an emergency, WHEN COMPETITIVENESS IS NOT THE FOCUS, not how many people are employed in a particular industry.
Further, a fair recounting of the history of the decline of American steel would reveal a very lengthy trail of appalling management decisions.
To revel in the creation of new steel mill jobs (and not even acknowledge the loss of other jobs) is wrong-headed.
1
A government of the people, by the people, and for the people.
Yeah, right.
7
The president of the United States was in a bad mood so he started a war.
Let that sink in for a moment.
7
Trump wants to destroy America because Putin iPutin is his master and Putin hates America and loves the fact that we are more divided than ever.
Putting won in Italy, England and in America. He is dividing the west without firing a shot. And the Republicans in this country are letting this happen because they get to keep their jobs for now.
4
If President David Dennison had ever read anything other than porn, he possibly would have stumbled upon one of the most disastrous laws passed in world history. The Smoot Hawley Tariff Act of 1930. How did that work out? Maybe it didn't cause the great depression on it's own but it very likely exacerbated it and maybe it didn't cause WWII on it's own but there is no question that breaking down trade relationships between countries makes it much easier to demonize each other. It's hard to start a war with a trading partner. Any of this sound familiar? How many years will it take us to recover from President Dennison's four years? Assuming he makes four years.
6
The U.S. currently produces two thirds (2/3rds) of its steel domestically and imports the remaining two thirds. National security could be an issue if there were no idle capacity. But there is.
Steel mills have become automated. Today, 20 people in an air conditioned console room do the work of 500 men wearing fire resistant aprons, goggles, and wielding shovels. New hires - if any - in steel production will be technicians, not laborers in debt to the company store.
Tariffs targeting the largest steel importers will have the effect of driving the price of domestically produced steel up. Why? Because domestic producers will charge what the market will bear, and the new price ceiling will be imported steel artificially overpriced by tariffs.
From an export/import standpoint, every nation needs to figure out what it does best, and do those things. For the U.S., it may well be that steel production isn't one of them.
In the long run, agripower is America's dominant position in global trade.
1
Trump is the essential demagogue; everything he does and says is gauged for popular appeal while the practical logic of it fails comprehension. He champions the few thousand jobs in beautiful coal and risks of tens of thousands of jobs in the clean energy sector. Now, he rallies to US metal producers not mentioning that retaliatory measures will decimate much wider industries. However, Trump is crazy like a fox. By threatening tariffs, then offering exemptions, he's simply doing the demagoguery thing. He looks good to short attention spans or the ignorant without changing very much at all. Trump is an anarchist without an ideology, his mantra is purely chaos for the sake of it. He is the gatekeeper of the capitalist old guard. The sooner that the misinformed working and middle classes who support him, the better off we'll all be. The elites who love him for the expedience he bestows will always love him. It's time we commoners stopped loving them. Make them pay taxes and be responsible, contributing, citizens.
In the year or so that Trump was inflicted on the world, we've run the daily evolving gamut from indecent assaults, the spectre of treachery, and the potential for nuclear war. At some point, this has to end, although, hopefully, not in mutual annihilation.
3
It's like everything that Trumpty Dumpty does, screams out some new policy without discussion and then figures out the details later. Remember the new tax laws? This is not just chaos, which he says he likes, this is more like one disaster after another. I wonder if anyone is looking into stock and business transactions of the Trump family related to these constant upheavals he creates? Someone is/can make a lot of money out of the turmoil if they knew what was going to happen in advance, even a few minutes in advance. I would not put it past these folks at all. Look what happened recently with that billionaire who is a Trump "friend" who sold $31MM worth of steel stocks right before the tariff announcement. And they are all getting away with it. Why?
Donald Trump, miracle worker. Why? Because in some ways he’s moving the left as much as he is the right.
Consider this case; who knew that the left harbored so many free trading anti-restrictionists? Surely those on the left didn’t, until Trump proposed it.
And what about Federalism? In 2012, the left cheered on the Feds as they went after AZ for violating Fed law on immigration. All it takes is Trump going after CA to turn leftists into 10th amendment, small government fans.
And what about DACA? All it took there was a single weekend of shutdown drama. After that, the left started ignoring them as much as the right does.
A prediction; Trump’s biggest re-education of the left is yet to come. He’s going to be so good at identity politics himself, that he’s going to have half the left turn against it, and the half who lose to him at it wishing they had never gone down this path.
1
You're making Trump sound like he knows what he's doing. He doesn't.
2
maybe i'm crazy, but i thought CONGRESS was supposed to enact laws about tariff, taxes and treaties. have they finally abdicated all of their responsibilities and are about to crown Trump as emperor?
1
Tariffs are just another scam to Trump, like Trump University. If he really does exempt Canada then - they are the primary beneficiaries, since they and not China are the largest importers. Also potentially - China could sell more steel to Canada, and Canada could sell even more to the US. This means you have to expand your threat to them.
Trump and the GOP destroy your Unions, and some Union members vote for them anyway....for this?
1
Trump and his cabal flunk Economics 101 with this observation: "That group has a much more binary view of trade, seeing it as a zero-sum game in which the United States is losing." The economic concept is called "comparative advantage." What it means is that you do what you do best and trade for the rest. That way, everyone is better off. No country, including the US, can make/do everything well.
1
If the Republicans were against Trump, the could pass bills against this. I doubt the democrats would vote in opposition. So if there is not s large enough majority to over turn a veto it is because of Republican support.
This President is a Republican. He is enacting Republican policies that Republicans support.
Republicans in Congress are engaged in ruling the country with Trump. They are not against him. It is time for Media outlets like the NYTimes to acknowledge this basic truth.
I wish it were true, but Republican opposition is fake news. It is as fake as the buildup to the Iraq war which the Times engaged. Follow the money and follow the votes. This is Republican protectionism all the way down.
Maybe this is what has to happen to show people who are blind to this mans' ignorance to the leading of a country. And maybe like the GOP , they need to see how a bankruptcy specialist, greedy, chaos loving person doesn't give 2 cents for anyone else but himself.
1
So we have now gone from a democracy to a dictatorship? It would appear so.
If these GOP opponents were sincere, they'd repeal the law that authorizes Trump to impose such tariffs. They won't. But that won't stop them from running on this illusory opposition.
As The Apprentice Dictator with those little fingers hunkers down in his bunker and watches as his aides leave for the fresh air and sunshine, one has to wonder just when the lily-livered GOP majorities are going to decide enough is enough.
The GOP is going to be completely crushed this November. They might save their hides if they consider removing him and replacing him with the Wonder Bread Mike Pence.
The Party of No is following their credo... "no" to anything important.
Turn out the lights when you leave, please.
The tthing is that once the resulting inflationary price spikes kick in on everything from cars to six packs, they never go away even after the tariffs are removed. The CEOs get richer. The Trump yahoos see their tax cut savings go puff.
The White House has claimed the "Donald" will sign a piece of paper with the word "tariff" on it.That's all folks!
This is what happens when the so-called leader of the free world is a paranoid simpleton who lives in a pre-rational (7-year olds) binary world. There is no nuance, leadership, holistic thinking, He castrates anyone in his world who does not pander to his wishes, reinforcing his status as "the boss". The U.S. is left with sycophants, criminals, liars, and Russian thugs calling the shots. Every Republican member of Congress is complicit in this debacle and elections cannot come soon enough.
1
Mister Trump will be one of those memorable presidents of the United States.
Trump puts a face on the US that so sane person wants anything to do with.
1
Trump is a greedy;selfish ; arrogant; petulant CHILD. Trump will impose tariffs to throw red meat to his base. GOP sold their souls to Trump/NRA; Megadonors. The chaos and greed will continue until they are voted out. Ray Sipe ; worker for 50 years;6 years college;3 medical licenses;proud to fight for American freedom
18
Last night on MSNBC, Brian Williams' latest late breaking explosive blockbuster bombshell scoop from NBC's own super-secret-inside sources at the White House was that this signing was going to be postponed and wouldn't happen on Thursday as originally planned. For all we know, someone parking cars there sneezed and all the reporters camped outside jumped. With so many reporters with their "sources" all clamoring to be heard, the circus is hardly happening in just the Oval Office with Trump's staff.
3
Destroying trade can lead to military aggression. International commerce creates peace. Yes, business competition is fierce and ruthless but China does not want a military war with the US because we're their biggest customer.
5
What percentage of the US government debt does China own again? What happens if China forecloses on that debt? Government by tweet is not a good idea ... "less tweeting, more listening" because presidenting is HARD.
If Congress is so united against this action, why don't they repeal the law that gives the president this authority in the first place? There is no reason under our system of government that one man should be able to make dictatorial decisions like this.
I'm tired of hearing about how bad Trump is. Yes, Trump is a terrible president. But if Congress hadn't spent the last century ceding all of its power to the executive, a bad president for a few years wouldn't be quite such a big problem. When you make the president a king, a terrible president is very bad, indeed.
12
If Congress is so united against this action, why don't they repeal the law that gives the president this authority in the first place?
^ How about we just impeach Trump?
2
I assume that Trump has commissioned sophisticated computer models and simulations that prove the economic benefit of his tariffs.
3
Like the sophisticated models that gave him a 1-3% chance of beating Hillary Clinton?
The motive behind Donald Trump's proposed steel and aluminum tariff trade war scheme is deeply hidden in his personal and family income tax returns and business records.
Vladimir Putin knows what is unknown to the American people about Trump's tax returns and business records.
Russia, if you are listening please release the Trump tax returns and business records.
7
Will Republicans step up at the Congress and take out of Trump's hands this law allowing him to put un tarifs for "security" ?
3
It seems that the "Art of the Deal" was a book of fiction after all. So far Donald Trump has shown he knows how to break trade deals rather than make or mend them. Using a tool of last resort like tariffs as your first action has been a "lose-lose" strategy in the past. Moreover, Mr. Trump is basing his tariffs on the myth of "massive" trade deficits. Your fact checker showed this to be incorrect. Nevertheless, this may play well in the Rust Belt of western Pennsylvania where there's a hotly-contested special election and Ohio where plants have long-been shuttered and dismantled, but the costs may be more than the feel good moment. Pittsburgh long ago transformed itself from Steel Town, USA into a modern metropolis based on high tech industry, education, health care and corporate headquarters. The time to rescue Big Steel and aluminum passed decades ago and if they need any help they just received it in the form of "massive" corporate tax cuts they could use to improve and modernize their plants instead of squandering it on stock buybacks. Instead we have irrational policy from an irrational, unstable executive.
5
The Art of the Deal was ghost written by Tony Schwartz, who calls Trump...a lunatic.
Putin is getting exactly what he paid for. Sow discord between the US and the EU (NATO) and Canada by creating a pointless trade war.
Russia is watching the internecine dispute while aggressively ramping up its plan to destroy our electoral system this year and in 2020.
Why hasn't the White House imposed the RUSSIA SANCTIONS?!
11
If every other nation is going to be exempted except China, which provides 2% of our steel, what's the point?
4
There is never any way to make these tarriffs work. You always find the side effects are terrible and then try to maneuver around them.
President Trump is doing a wonderful job protecting our country from unfair trade. As I read the comments I feel most readers are wanting the President to fail and not see the trade imbalance corrected.
3
Despite Trump’s usual lying bombast - there is actually a trade surplus with Canada, if you add services. Surely you agree that Americans who work in services are as valuable as those who work in steel? And, even if you swallow the “wonderful job” in this one area, you have s tyrannical leader who is destroying everything good about America. Who wouldn’t want him to fail?
2
Pete - all Trump is doing is violating international trade laws and setting the US up for retaliation. Too many Americans such as yourself dont know your own history. W. Bush did the same thing. It failed, and he quietly rescended it.
2
Any effort to create tariff "carve-outs" for specific countries - for example, Canada or Mexico - would be in violation of a clear reading of Article I of the General Agreement on Tariff and Trade (GATT Agreement). President Trump could decide - without Congressional approval - to unilaterally withdraw the US from the GATT under Article XXXI of the Agreement, but only if the US gives six months notice to the UN General Secretary. So what is being discussed here is not a protectionist "trade war", but the US violation of the system of agreements which has kept the world trading system functioning.
5
Philanthroper asked an important question: "When will Congress stand up for us?"
Congress will stand up for us CITIZENS when Congress fears the wrath of the voters more than it wants the bribes ... er ... campaign donations of the fat cats.
Not before.
That is why we MUST use the November 6, 2018 election to send a message to the 535 elected Representatives and Senators who work FOR US that if they do not value our needs and interests as their highest responsibility, they will get unceremoniously cast aside.
Send them all a message by sending the Republican Trump enablers home for a permanent vacation.
9
I was on vacation in Mixico during Xmas visiting a friend. The meager Ford Focus which costs $18k~ in the U.S. lists for $30k ~ in Mexico. How could this be with our great NAFTA agreement?
1
Ironically Focus production is moving to China - and if China has low cost steel, that is tariffed in the US, then that would lead to more steel imports from China too.... only refined into cars prior to being imported.
Tarriffs dont work.
1
Why is nobody concerned by the fact that the greatest opposition to tariffs comes from Republicans in congress and Wall Street?
1
“ The market sank after Cohens resignation over fears of a trade war”, actually Ms. Swanson, the highly, some might say overvalued market was down a big deal one percent in the morning and I believe recovered in the afternoon. “ Europe is retaliating against American T shirt and Levi makers”, O.K., that announcement was short lived as it dawned on Europeans that they aren’t actually Made in America. I think the best they could come up with in the end was tariffs on Kentucky Bourbon and Harley Davidson Motorcycles, both of which are enjoyed by the narrow slice of Europeans and Asians who can easily afford to pay a bit more and why shouldn’t Made in America command a premium, we are certainly willing to pay silly prices for “French” labels such as Louis Vuitton some of which is produced at a factory in California near the Mexican border or for French Cheese, when some of the best cheese in the world is made in Bandon Oregon by Facerock Creamery(Facerock took first place for a three year old cheddar in Newport Rhode Island recently)and Humboldt, Cal. In the meantime Granite Steel in America did reopen a factory with the announcement and rehired 500 workers, hey it’s a start. American products have long been met with tariffs in Europe, my cousin in France circa the early seventies had a Dodge Charger, he finally sold it as the parts were to expensive and difficult to get, to be replaced by a less expensive Ferrari. We make great products they should cost a tad more!
2
I think the best they could come up with in the end was tariffs on Kentucky Bourbon and Harley Davidson Motorcycles, both of which are enjoyed by the narrow slice of Europeans and Asians who can easily afford to pay a bit more and why shouldn’t Made in America command a premium......
^ Its funny how the human mind rationalizes. The whole basis for the tariffs that taxing the product will reduce its sales..... but you just decided that in this case there will be *no effect*. Which is it then?
StrangerQ: Perhaps there is some rationalizing going on but I will attempt to explain my position, which ultimately I would hope results in more good paying jobs for Americans: The tariffson Chinese goods would level the field for items made in bulk by cheap labor or government subsides as is applicable to both Chinese Steel and T shirts. My rationale for the luxury products such as Harley’s or fine cheeses is that in that segment of the boutique market so to speak whether cheeses, wines or boutique breweries in my state of Oregon our products can more than compete with European goods and I am not in favor of tariffs on Europe or certainly not Canada. Our other big export items such as military hardware and airplanes we can compete on as well that is until the Chinese either buy our technology in some short sighted deal enabling an American CEO to walk away with a big pay package or The Chinese steal the technology which they have done in the past. I hope this helps, it’s the best I can do, thanks for the interest.
1
You need two things to make steel: iron and coal.
This is about coal.
This is not about steel and aluminum is a distraction.
2
Respectfully suggested a brewery begin producing a very foamy lager called National Security. It only comes in a can guaranteed to be made from US produced aluminum (though the bauxite its made from will have to come from somewhere else, like, um, China or Australia, or maybe Brazil). It will only cost about 5$ a can. But you can rest assured that you are drinking in the national interest. But unless you want to spend 25$ you won't get a buzz.
I have one question. Between his iil thought out economic policies, his lack of professionalism and preparedness on any matter and his lack of morals or ethics and his, becoming more obvious every day, loyalty to Russia, why is Trump still President?
4
TPP trashed by Trump from the get go and now this ridiculous gambit of tariffs on steel and aluminum imports. The prospects for a rebirth of bygone domestic production is an out and out pipe dream.
Have to wonder if this was some convoluted, left handed play by our wrecking ball president to leverage both Canada and Mexico on the renegotiation of NAFTA. Just this kind of thing twisted DJT would come up with? No one would be surprised!
Trump is an unconscionable disaster as POTUS.
2
Why is Trump only focused on 30% of the country's population? Since when are Presidents only responsible for a handful of Americans, but not all Americans? I get that 30% is his supposed sacred base, but 30% or less of America leaves out at least 70% of the rest of us who want a better life and actual constructive policies for the economy, the environment, and our children.
Why are we accepting that 30% get to destroy the rest of us just because they voted for this horrible man? They made a bad choice and will continue to do so. Congress is spineless and does nothing to help us, so it is up to us. Yes, vote them all out in November, but until then....better get louder on the streets of DC and Mara Largo and Democratic Senators...you aren't being heard...speak up in a loud and forceful way, every day! Stop dithering.
6
I remember an America that would've been crafting its economic future around the development and exploitation of new 21st-century-worthy materials such as synthetic spider's silk, graphene, and other such promising materials -- not hinging our future on reviving the whale oil industry, or whatever.
I swear, it wasn't much more than a year ago that that America was still going strong.
What the Sheol happened?
1
“The proclamation will have a clause that does not impose these tariffs immediately on Canada and Mexico,” Mr. Navarro said in an interview on Fox Business Network. A permanent exclusion will hinge on those countries agreeing to a “great” trade deal in the ongoing renegotiation of the North American Free Trade Agreement, he said.
This is a typical Donald Trump "negotiation" practice. he has been known to demand renegotiation of leases after renters move into his buildings, using threats of withholding agrred0upon services as a cudgel.
That might work when the renter wants to avoid the cost, legal issues, and disruption of an unplanned-for move.
When other nations have options that do not involve the US or that retaiate against the US, they may well tell Dopey Donald to "go pound sand" rather than being impolite and telling him where he can put his negotiation papers.
1
Getting hooked on foreign steel, aluminum, and other strategic materials puts national security at risk.
Tariffs are justified when countries dump these materials in the US at below cost. I would like to see the FULL cost to supply aluminum and steel. Example for overseas suppliers: The full cost would include production, transportation to shipping port, shipping port handling, ocean shipping, destination port handling, USA domestic shipping to final destination.
There is a trade imbalance. China who clearly exploits this is the first that comes to mind. That being said, I have two concerns. Firstly, Trump is at the helm of this. As a psychopath whose beliefs and whims capriciously shift based upon his mood and what he saw today on Fox and Friends, I would be truly worried about any seismic shifts in economic policy stewarded by this administration. Secondly, a global approach toward tariffs that would treat a trade partner like Canada, for instance, the same as China would be potentially disastrous. Going back to my first point, does a Trump administration have the savvy, acumen, and stability to follow through with a nuanced trade policy that could treat different trade partners differently? I would highly doubt it. Remember, most of the time Trump is pandering to his not terribly nuanced base. Whenever Trump states anything, we have to first be careful about the one doing the talking.
2
The actions that he takes lead me to believe that Trump really wants to watch America burn. Every thing he does hurts someone here in the US, and when added up, all of these things will likely lead to a total economic meltdown. I guess the question needs to be, who benefits? It's easy to point fingers at countries like Russia, but I think the reality is that Trump is America's Nero. Instead of fiddling, he watches Fox News. I worry for my children.
Hey, GOP congress - Obviously, Trump is Putin's puppet; not yours. Also China's where he has many many many "Trump" trademark purchases. Just two quick question for any Republican Congressional "Representatives" - (1) why aren't there any tariffs proposedf for his family's tawdry imports manufactured in China, and (2) Will China impose tariffs on all that coal Trump wants us to manufacture here that we don't even use and end up exporting? Actually there is a question number 3 - why don't you resign and take "empty (headed) vessel" with you when you go.
1
My country will be benefitted for that in the long term, will lose something now, but will conquer Market Share, that will be impossible fot the US recover, so it is good news for the rest of the world in the long Run
Unfortunately the statistics that the US side is using in the NAFTA negotiations are cherry-picked (of course). The goods that Canada exports to the US as well as any goods from other countries (like China) that pass through on their way to the US are counted as Canadian exports. So while Canada actually imports more from the US than they export to the US, the Trump team claims that the US is victim to a huge amount of Canadian exports.
3
I hope the Republicans who have fallen at the feet of Trump are now enjoying the fruits of his poorly detailed policies. I hope they stew in their own juices until they lose the majority in the House in 2018.
The only joy I have at this time is to watch them scramble to undo his unhinged plans.
Too bad the rest of the world has already left him (and us) behind.
Republican House members sent a letter to Trump? That's it? Do they need to be reminded that they are members of Congress, and do not need to beg the president not to start a damaging trade war?
Trump has the power to impose tariffs at his discretion only because Congress has passed laws granting him that power. If Republicans in Congress think Trump's ideas about trade are destructive, they should pass new laws that strip him of that power. They'd need enough votes to override Trump's inevitable veto, but they should be able to pull that off. Sending letters accomplishes nothing.
This Congress is so timid that members seem afraid to use the power of the institution to check Trump's irrationality. The President was not meant to have the power to unilaterally establish tariffs on a whim. Passing new law to enable Congress to take back the power they gave away would require Republicans and Democrats to work together, something that seems less and less probable. But, if they acted for the country's good and recognized that they and the institution they were elected to, not the president, are meant to be control, they might be successful.
1
How many goods manufactured by the Trump family overseas are in violation of humanitarian laws involving unethical labor practices as well as in violation of copywrite and patent laws. Notice that no tariffs touch any of the Trump family's imports. Also, does anyone want to place bets on how quickly China will respond with tariffs on coal? Trump wants us to manufacture more coal here in the US but this country isn't the one buying it.
As others have noted, this may just be a ploy to sway voters in the PA special election on 03/13, The district is in western PA, home to many unemployed steelworkers. This administration was left me cynical enough to believe that there is no trick low enough that they can't stoop to. As soon as the election is over, hey presto change-o, reverse course or distract to some other issue.
2
What still remains to be seen is how far Republicans are prepared to go in their opposition to President Trump’s proposed tariffs.
Are Republicans prepared to take actual action, beyond a few statements, or will they ultimately go along with Trump, abandoning any claim the Republican Party may have had to being the party of free-trade and free-markets?
1
It is my guess that Trump will renegotiate trade tariffs with America's allies.
Am I being too paranoid?
Is Trump's move (ignoring so many American advisers) at the behest of Russia?
Doesn't Russia gain from our disenfranchisement with our allies in Europe?
I do think there is a chance his selection of secretary of state could have been influenced by Russia, why not this policy?
Trump likes to say the tariffs are part of his promise to his base. What about his other promises?
Why steel? Our assumption has been that this is primarily about trade, or securing short term political advantage. No. When Donald was a boy he saw buildings going up around him, with girders swinging through the air and steel skeletons rising above. Other boys played with LEGO, but not him. He came to love the smell of steel, its ringing sound, the muscularity of building with it. The man child who is now president wants to have all the toys, and steel is his favourite.
Steel production has gone from 200 tons per employee in the 80's to 1000 tons per employee now. To increase steel industry employment the answer is simple - ban automation! This could also apply to the auto industry - get rid of those welding robots - and the coal industry - replace front-end loaders with wheelbarrows. Simple.
Trump did the same with North Korea and now they are at least talking. Same with the immigration there is a good chance of new legislation but only after the moderate liberals realize he means business.I bet in the end NAFTA is changed in a way to make the deal better for the USA. Interseting watching this guy handle the Washington establishment on both sides of the aisle.
Good, good and good! Sign the tariffs and bring these guys to the table. Trade negotiation is a dynamic, not a static process and unless the Chinese and their fellow travelers understand that there is a price to pay they will continue destroying US industry for their own long term gain. Sure there will be some short term pain and second order effects, but the Chinese are playing a long term game, and we have to as well. We do ban Chinese coil for the most part now, but in just one example the Chinese are the #1 exporter of coil to Korea and Korea has built an entire multi-million ton export business turning Chinese coil into Oil Country Tubular Goods (casing for oil wells) and about the sole export market for it is the USA - and Korea is the #1 exporter of these goods to the USA. Sorry, Korea - we have to hit hard at your use of cheap illegally subsidized Chinese coil to make casing and a hundred other low value add products that you dump in the USA. And the list of similar work arounds go on as China ships through Korea, Vietnam, Philippines, etc. Shut it down, President Trump, protect our industries!
1
Is Trump already a dictator or not? Seems so. He has no authority to do this, unless the Republicans continue to defer to this man-child aspiring dictator.
It up to us! The rational us. The anxious us.
Our democracy has been destroyed. We must rebuild it!
1
Since Republicans are really into "barriers" like barriers to education, healthcare, voting, immigration, Paris Accords, trade, regulations, gun controls, consumer protection and safety regulations, let's add a few more...
Let's stop the free trade between people of different States within the "United" States. A tax on goods traveling from New Jersey to New York, etc. And since the South has been raiding the Northern industrial states to "steal the jobs" of Northern workers for decades, let the Northern States tax the goods that come from these tax havens in the South.
And why should Blue States of the North need to subsidize the Red States in the South decade after decade. If New York and New Jersey stopped sending their taxes to the South, they could afford to build the Hudson River tunnel without any Federal dollars.
Oh, wasn't that one of the problems with the original Articles of Confederation?
Well, don't let history, laws, or experience stand in the way. In a Hobbesian world of Republican ideology there is no social contract, "it's every man for himself."
1
This is typical of Trump's protection-racket negotiating mentality. First do damage, then offer protection if "you just do what I want". He did it with the DACA kids with deportation... now he's doing it with Canada and Mexico with tarriffs. In any other context, this would be a criminal act.
1
From the Republican letter to Trump: “But we urge you to reconsider the idea of broad tariffs to avoid unintended negative consequences.”
Hilarious. Trump only considers himself.
And then there's Ross on his take on national security: "'It’s defined to include effect on individual industries. It’s not the conventional definition of national security,' he said."
This is "1984" doublespeak. It's outrageous that Trump loyalists have no sense of policy. It's all "shoot from the hip" as they try to avoid the loose cannon Trump. The fact that Ross alters the definition to suit Trump's needs makes us the society that Orwell was writing about.
We all (Republicans and Democrats) have to put an end to this nonsense. If it means shunning a few of those poorly educated Trump followers, so be it.
15
How much more damage to the country must we endure! Who is going to step up and shut down this clownish presidency?
What kind of a nation are we that we need to cling to one special council as the only means to rid an entire nation of a dangerous corrupt moronic despot? The Enablers! Not until every Republican in Congress is swept away through the midterms will there be any hope of putting the brakes on this maniac. Our democracy is hanging by a thread.
49
Well stated, @Harrison. I like it. It's somewhat Patrick Henryesque. We do need to put this country right again.
4
Get out the vote in November and overturn these GOP court jesters of his.
2
Republicans got their self-dealing tax cuts and The Donald got to put his ridiculous giant signature on them. They were happy. So, the GOP let him do his thing, unabated.
We were all alarmed, but the Greedy Old Party didn't care. They partied like it was 1929.
Even before his knuckle dragging stance on tariffs, the GOP barely whimpered about his outrageous corruption. The con artist. The liar in chief. The weekly vacationer.
Who can't get to the office til noon, watches TV all day, and has nothing on his schedule. No security clearances. No DACA. Jared's corruption. Ivanka as foreign minister. Russians still hacking. Now the porn star.
And Still They Didn't Care.
49
It was the Democrats and FDR who kept the US in a depression after the rest of the world had moved on.
Hail to the Chief, the Mad King Trump. Just as bad are the craven, spineless Republican enablers of this most despicable of Presidents. In the era of Trump there are no good Republicans, no, not one, because they would rather serve this loutish imbecile than serve our nation.
47
And their own self interests and that of the billionaire class.
2
Uhhh- Sanctions on Russia that Congress passed. Not national security, like beer cans ?
28
Trade wars have not ended well for the United States in the past and I think Trump is just trying to fill one of those (not well thought out) campaign promises made to appease the idiots who actually bought the bill of goods he was selling and voted for him. Much of the Trump policies and promises made have not yet impacted those who supported him as the damage takes some time to take it's toll on the nation. Donald Trump never considered long term ramifications of his actions as is evident in his numerous failed businesses and bankruptcies. The deregulation of the financial industry, healthcare destruction, a tax cut that added a trillion and a half to the deficit, immigration policy, the attempts to cut funding to the Department of State, the Education Department and environment all set the nation back decades and yet this is considered to be successful by the White House, Fox News and many in the Republican Party who remain complicit in their silence. Were this a Democratic President the useless right-wing nut congress would be having so many hearings there would be little or no time for anything else. Add the obstruction, nepotism, violations of the Logan Act, the Hatch act and conflict of interest along with a threat to national security by the president himself in the White House with the Russians and attacks on the press, intelligence community and the judiciary and we have a collapsing democracy. Mention all this to a Trump supporter and he'll bring up Hillary.
29
"trade wars are easy to win!"
now, define winning.
Expemptions?? Surely then it is more of a punishment than a trade tariff? Will Russia be exempt one wonders.
Congress have got their pants in a twist over this half-baked plan - why isn’t there a vote? It’s not enough, it can’t be enough, for the big baby to say ‘I want this’ and it happens; that’s a fascist regime at work.
Yet, again, I’m baffled.
14
Donald Trump continues to show how ignorant he is. This tariff he wants to impose will only hurt the economy. Another
empty campaign promise like building his wall.
12
I am almost certain that “Kushy” will smooth out the problem with Mexico, considering his many talents.
9
Just more insanity and soap-opera drama from the Orange One...tariffs on China who supplies us 6% of our steel and an exemption for Canada who supplies us with 81% of our steel....and both governments subsidize their steel producers while American companies continue to use outdated 1920's technology.
...
What a joke this country has become....nothing but a haven for billionaires wives.
19
Canada supplies about six percent of the steel used in the U.S: they provide about 16% of U.S. steel imports, which represent about 35% of consumption. We are their largest export market, accounting for 88% of their exports.
Some of the Chinese steel imported into the United States comes directly from China, but it also comes from countries like Vietnam and South Korea.
Your comment about 1920's technology is off the mark as well. Much of the loss of steel manufacturing jobs is due to automation, which is a technology. Many other advances in materials science and manufacturing processes have occurred in recent years. For example, Nucor pioneered the use of an patented thin-strip casting process in the year 2001. China acquired commercial license fifteen years later.
Hi Edward,
As a Canadian I feel it is is important to remind you that the US actually runs an overall trade surplus with Canada (no, this is not a typo: A SURPLUS!). The US also happens to run a trade surplus in the steel market with Canada (again, not a typo: A SURPLUS!). So, although you are right that Canada is the biggest exporter of steel into the United States, Canada also happens to be your biggest steel customer. None of this should come as a surprise given that our two economies are among the most integrated in the world.
So please be careful as you wade into this trade tariff quagmire. You may not get what you bargained for. Of all the unintended consequences of a fast approaching trade war, the most important one may be a loss of trust from your closest and most reliable ally.
To paraphrase your president on an entirely different issue (health care...), who knew trade could be so complicated?
1
Canada does not subsidize our steel producers
We don't supply 81% of your steel
Where are you getting your information?
1
This is the chaotic situation that ensues when an ignorant person who is also an arrogant narcissist gets to make decisions that affect the entire world.
Shame on us for electing this brute to the Presidency.
20
Somebody's got to sell caps with "Trump: Apres Mois Le Deluge"
3
Tariffs on steel and aluminum are simply a threat and a scam by Trump,Navarro et al to pressure Canada and Mexico to be more receptive to U S demands on NAFTA.
Remember we are dealing with a bully and what is the best approach to dealing with a bully
8
I can see how a Canadian might feel that way. We here in the Amessica feel that trump is not capable of such long-term planning or strategy. He can't even spell NAFTA. We're worried what happens AFTA! Afta he tweets more bilge, afta he feels like he's "won" another fight.
1
I woke up yesterday morning to the news to that the President was going to announce the tariffs on Thursday. I went to bed last night just as the announcement that the President was studying all the options and no decision would be coming. Woke up this morning to learn that a hastily called announcement would be coming at 1530 today. With 6 hours to go before his self imposed deadline it's still a 50 50 proposition if the doddering dotard will show up on our tv screens. Stay tuned.
7
Welcome to our "Ready, fire...aim!" administration.
1
Trump is a Russian agent who wants to destroy America’s economy and relationships with allies; quite simply, Putin’s puppet to his benefactor. How else can you explain all that has gone on?
25
You have the wrong president...try the guy before Trump, when you refer to an 'agent'... really Francis...perhaps you watched one too many Mission Impossible episodes... and 'agent' who wants to destroy America......
Trump can always retreat to the Seychelles where Prince can be his caddie at Trump International Golf Club
1
Exactly my thoughts for months now! Wake up, people..all this destruction of our country is just what Putin ordered up when this foolish, compromised narcissist became his most loyal asset. And the Republicans just stand there, like impotent jesters.
1
Canadian reticence is more about indulging Ol' Bone Spurs than anything else... we're not too worried up this way... and we're all confident that Bob Mueller will end this hideous nightmare sooner rather than later.
10
this guy is totally bonkers. will kill american jobs to prove no point, this high cost manufacturing is not coming back in a real way
10
If Obama had tried to use executive power like this -he would be condemned and blocked by Congress. The world see the US now as a joke and a threat.
13
Bill Riccio, leader of the Alabama-based Aryan National Front, discusses the need for these tariffs in "Skinheads USA: Soldiers of the Race War", an HBO documentary. This idea of protecting the steel industry, which seemingly comes out of nowhere, is a deeply rooted and dearly held concept in Nazi ideology. It has to do with elevating the people at the expense of globalists. Steel and metal working in particular are viewed as havens for unskilled male labor. They hold a special place in the view of Nazi economics, as providing a kind of macho job any man can do, and should be able to get. The Trump tariffs fit very neatly in with that narrative. It's a dog whistle issue, and puppy treat offer to these core supporters.
13
It costs a lot to build a steel manufacturing plant & when they fail, they are not easily converted to other uses. Also steel production stinks like rotten eggs - you don't want to live or drive anywhere near a plant. So we're going to build these expensive stinky plants which will provide some jobs, but we're going to lose many more jobs because the the manufacture of steel based products is going to cost more, and then eventually we're going to get rid of the tarriffs & get stuck with a bunch of plants, lost jobs ,and stinky neighborhoods?
5
I think elected officials in “Trumpland” should mind their constituents and support President Trump’s agenda! A most famous phrase, touted by R and D conservatives for 2+ decades, is “Personal Responsibility”. So I figured, heck YES! If Personal Responsibility is good enough for poor people (especially people of color), LGBTx persons, and women, then, it’s good enough for everyone!
Elected officials must support everything on which Trump campaigned So Strongly: impose Tariffs; end NAFTA, TPP, & lousy Trade with “China!”; and deport illegal immigrants (Ag Workers?).
Surely, Trump voters knew well the Trump Agenda before the 2016 election. Give the populists what they voted for; do NOT weasel out of more difficult positions. I find it difficult to accept any notion that strong rural, white support for Trump was based solely on populists’ desires to crush gay rights or to relegate women back under male-dominated thumbs. I refuse to believe that ending all Trade Agreements wasn’t Foremost on their minds. Trump-voters certainly want the whole enchilada... er, pork roast?
Therefore, elected officials must give the significant majority of their constituents exactly what they voted for: President Trump, Unhinged and Unfettered. Then, they can explain to their Trump-voting constituents that Elections Have Consequences, and they need to take Personal Responsibility for their votes. I’m sure these voters will understand and agree… as their soybeans pile up.
3
If Trump had actually consulted on this and so many other of his off-the-cuff policy commands, people might not be so upset. But Emperor Donald the Dumb thinks that he is a banana republic potentate who issues decrees rather than the president of a democratic republic. We just learned that he had a panicked meeting with many Republicans and manufacturers. So he is not going to sign his royal decree tomorrow. But it will come soon.
Sane people surrounding him must be sick of having to spend all their time mopping up Trump's messes. This is a big one, but he doesn't care. And more to the point, neither do his zombie supporters who never can think two minutes beyond their last exposure to the Kardashians or The Bachelor.
9
This madness must end. Why is it so important that trump has to get even with the world? Will he take credit for the decline of the United States?
7
The best way to convince a fool that he is wrong is to let him have his way. Josh Billings (I think)
2
Right. NAFTA blackmail. Fasten your seat belts and thousands of people get ready to lose your jobs. Unbelievable.
10
"On Wednesday, top Mexican officials met with Jared Kushner, the president’s son-in-law and senior adviser, as he paid a state visit to President Enrique Peña Nieto”
I thought state visits were made by heads of state. Or did I miss Jared Kushner's promotion to POTUS?
6
Oh, this is where the GOP pushes back against Mr. Trump? Not on his cavalier assault on democratic values and institutions, not on his war on .... well, everything that might help those who are not fabulously weathly ... not on his crass profiteering, not on his bizarre efforts to reverse, undo and efface any- and everything that Mr. Obama supported? These GOP lawmakers must be hearing it from their bosses, the Plantation Masters.
6
There was a tycoon
Born silver spooned
Self made so he claimed
To those who he feigned
So others must now lampoon
1
He us heading us straight at WW III
People study what was going on in the 5 to 10 years before the last two major World Wars. Educate yourselves,
Trump knows exactly what he is doing -- he intends to make billions. He'll solve unemployment just like Bush did -- kill off 4,000 plus American men
3
Total inability to craft intelligent, fair, workable policies of any kind. Maybe we've gotten what we deserve after all the years of nit-picking everything Barack Obama did.
5
I am not an economist but have read history. Most historical figures are shades of grey. Neither they are absolutely black, nor pure white. An exception can be Adolf Hitler but to his credit - he wanted German people to be "masters" of the world.
Same goes to Economic Policies, Political Parties and so forth. No policy is absolute- including the one which calls for putting tariffs on imports. The policy reversal highlights that there may be genuine grievances of local industry against cheap imports from Southern America, China, Europe and Canada. Why should US not use policy to protect its domestic industries- unless there is an equal quid pro quo from the other side? And why US not use its weight to get a favorable trade surplus with all the countries it trades? It may not be possible but at least someone has to try.
Now the interesting part. All the people writing their opinions on opposing the import tariff - will they not try to negotiate better rental agreements, lease agreements, salary packages etc.? Why will you do that? You may not be successful all the time - and may end up getting a worse deal than before, but at least you will try. Isn't it?
If same thing is tried by your country- with the intention of benefitting all Americans- why is this such a bad deal? Something good may come out of it eventually.
1
It is fascinating when the Republicans and Krugman agree on something against Trump.
Since I have no confidence in Krugman (who at least means well) and even less in the Republicans, this makes me wonder if Trump might be right after all.
People who think Trump is an idiot might like to read about the Wollman rink. There is a Wikipedia article,
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wollman_Rink
Please read the section with the heading "renovations".
1
Creating disunity and undermining American economic principles is part of Putin's plan. Against the advice of his economic advisers, Trump angers the Canadians to our North, the Mexicans to our South, the South Koreans, the EU, the Chinese (our largest foreign debt holder, as in "bank"), all of Latin America. And closer to home, attacking the political leaders and people of California (sanctuaries), New York and New Jersey (tunnel).
I apologize for any omissions.
Who wins? The very fortunate few.
And oh, did I mention Putin?
14
https://www.trade.gov/steel/countries/pdfs/2016/annual/imports-us.pdf
China is 11th on the list and we are exempting Mexico and Canada. Who is our target? Brazil?
4
This is classic one-dimensional Trump-think. The only thing he sees is the simplistic view that American steel is not competitive with imported steel. Therefore, impose a tariff and voila! American steel magically becomes competitive and the choice of all domestic steel buyers. Steel mills will re-open by the hundreds, hiring workers by the thousands. Problem solved. Next!
He waves off the pesky details as a nuisance he can't be bothered with. Details such as:
What happens to all the steel already under contract? Does the tariff apply, and if so what happens when buyers cancel those contracts because of the price getting jacked up? If the steel production and distribution pipeline is already filled with a typical 12-18 month committed supply, that takes us almost to 2020. How do buyers and producers deal now with the prospect of a new president repealing the tariffs then?
...since it is an absolute that 100% of costs are built into the price of all goods and services, when these tariffs hit it is an absolute that consumer products across the board will see price increases which, in turn, will suppress demand. How does this play against the tax cut driven deficit?
...Mexico and Canada have already said they won't re-negotiate NAFTA with a gun to their head. If he exempts them from the tariff how does he justify the "national security" excuse? Beyond that, how does preferential treatment for these trading partners exacerbate the problem, especially in western Europe?
6
the subtext of some of President Trump's positions on trade is that 100% of costs are NOT built into imported items such as steel from China, because some part of the cost of that product is actually a money subsidy from trading partners' governmemts. eg, dumping.
iow, American products are not more expensive just because American workers are paid more, or American producers are saddled with "onerous, job killing" regulations, or even that American producers often need to pay for their employees' heath insurance and retirement, while most advanced foreign countries provide these things through the government, not employers.
well, like most lies, there is probably a grain of truth in there somewhere, but the molehills obscure the real mountains, and most of this malarkey is clearly a put up job meant as red meat for the red state voters and a distraction from things like the Mueller probe that Trump wants to erase from the lede.
Jim, I think trying to understand this on a rational basis is a fools errand (no offence).
Trump simply can't be understood on any rational basis, as he has no ability to think or understand about complex issues.
You have elected a random thought generator as president.........Hopefully he doesn't do too much damage to your country, and the world.
Given that Trump is a regular at bankruptcy court I have absolutely no confidence in his ability to handle trade matters at any level. Any attempt to distinguish ourselves as an island unto ourselves will most certainly diminish our standing in the trade world. The global goods world is going nowhere. We can either get on board or be left behind. Are we willing to play second fiddle? If so our voice will become less and less significant in global matters.
3
The more the Republicans clamor and the more that economists say that it will start a trade war, the more I like the idea of trade tariffs. Most other countries have been playing this game with us for years - particulalrly China. So of course they are going to make all kinds of threats and express their displeasure. That's because we have been rolling over and playing dead when it comes to trade deals. If the world really wants 'fair' trade and not 'free' trade then all countries need to drop their trade tariffs. In the meantime, until that happens, I have no problem whatsoever in playing the same trade game that other countries play with us.
2
I don't know enough about trade deals to know if what Trump says is true. And neither the article or the rabidly anti-Trump commenters make much mention of the nuts and bolts. Who wins; who loses? Are the Chinese dumping steel on the US hurting our industry?
1
We only import about 3% of our steel from China.
3
If the Republicans in Congress want to send Trump a real message for ignoring their advice on these unwise tariffs, I suggest they get with the Democrats and enact the measures mentioned months ago (that Republicans blocked) to protect Mueller from dismissal.
3
Of all people, these G.O.P. officials should know that the horse has already left the barn, simply because they chose that horse to begin with.
This is what happens when you allow one person to dictate an entire political agenda, such as they have allowed Mr. Trump to do.
So good luck to you Mr. Ryan, because those Harley-Davidson machines made in your state of Wisconsin, will now become prohibitively expensive in Europe, as will all that Kentucky Bourbon, Mr. McConnell.
Are you "winning" yet?
5
This is the big fear we had all been warned about. Anyone who has taken 15 minutes to peel back the cheap veneer of the Trump image machine can clearly see that this man is a fraud, huckster, and charlatan of the cheapest form. His ineptitude led to 6 bankruptcies, ruined countless lives and careers, and created a laughable reputation in the world of New York real estate development.
Now, this man who was unable to beat the S&P 500 over his long career in spite of the enormous advantages inheritance and shady deals bequeathed to him, is pulling on global economic levers he scacely understands. We've let an infant loose in the complex factory known as the global markets and he's randomly pushing red buttons not even bothering to ask anyone what they do.
5
"Push back". there is no push back. There is a lot of hot air but zero action.
Last time I checked there was this balance of power thingy in our government. Apparently, party over country is the rule of the day.
For pity sake, Trump is the president, not king.
1
I had a good friend who bragged that he made decisions based solely on his gut feelings. He had little knowledge of the item in question but he relied on his gut to make the right decisions. He died young, poor and unhealthy by consistently making the wrong decisions. I guess his gut was misleading him all the time yet his defiance and ego would never admit to that. Unfortunately, being mentally unstable lead to his challenges in life. You can trust your gut sometimes but using your brain is better. This is exactly how tRump leads our nation. Gut feelings over knowledge. tRump will not die poor like my friend did, but he certainly will instill plenty of rot in our society that is festering everyday in his gut.
3
it's too late for Trump to die young, too.
but at his age, retirement might seem the best all around option.
Well, that didn't take long. Trump tweeted this morning that "Looking forward to 3:30 P.M. meeting today at the White House. We have to protect & build our Steel and Aluminum Industries while at the same time showing great flexibility and cooperation toward those that are real friends and treat us fairly on both trade and the military."
3
The Trump GOP Congress isn’t really pushing back on the punitive steel and aluminum tariffs. Congress can, if it so wishes, pass a law to reverse the tariffs. The reality is the weak kneed Trump GOP meekly go along with everything Trump wants and does.
3
He said in his campaign that he would do something about one sided trade deals so why is anybody surprised? He is going to build a wall too , count on it. America finally has a president that is doing what he said he would and it is about time. After 8 miserable years of Obama, the country is back on the right track.
1
Please explain the misery. Not existential misery, but actual, tangible loss or pain. Why were you miserable during the Obama years, what negative effects did you personally experience?
I ask because I feel the exact opposite. I think out country is wildly off track under the awful Trump. But here's the thing: I haven't yet been personally effected by his horrible policies or behavior. People I know have. And I'm pretty sure I will be eventually. And should he entangle us in wars -- trade or shooting -- we will all feel the effects of his incompetence.
So what's the appeal? Is it the bullying hyper-masculinity? The racism? The posturing? The simplistic thinking? Is it because he watches TV and doesn't read books? The limited vocabulary? How about his degrading treatment of women, including his own (third) wife? Is he a guy after your own heart, James?
1
The challenge here is that Trump’s supporters who are perhaps less informed about trade and economics only see that he is fulfilling a campaign promise - supposedly standing up for America’s interests and bringing jobs back. If they think the rest of the world will stand back and just take it, they are wrong. People will lose jobs. I guess because he is done (for now) building skyscrapers, and thus doesn’t need all the cheap steel he imported, this is all okay.
4
Another profile in courage from congressional republicans. Congress is the one with the power to set tariffs. If they've delegated that power to the executive and don't like the way he is using it, perhaps they should pass legislation instead of signing a letter.
5
I have had the same stock broker for over 40 years...and over the years he has done very well by me. In a recent conversation with him I asked what it was like being a broker under Trump. He responded with his usual, I'm a Warren Buffet investor, I look at companies not the market...but, then added, it was not about making money anymore, but more about how not to lose money.
4
It is very hard to consider rationally the merits vs. the demerits of a tariff when you know whose idea it is. The man's judgment is poor because he cannot handle the complexities of foresight. His approach to everything having to do with policy is simplistic. There is something wrong with the law on national security that he is using which enables him single-handedly to impose tariffs, cutting out the Congress altogether. I guess by now, 240 years into the existence of our republic, there is a law that permits anything, if one looks hard enough.
5
Of course Trump is going to sign this. The most important thing to Trump, by far, his portraying a manly, unconventional image. He desperately needs to say to the world (and to his 37% base):
"I am the only one manly enough to break with convention to do the tough things that need to be done".
Whether tariffs are good for the country is irrelevant. Standing strong in the face of almost unanimous opposition is manly. It will be done for that and only that reason.
2
It is clear Putin is pulling the puppet strings quickly destroying this nation. I am so worried about Putin's influence in the mid-terms. I am sure Putin is responsible for the disruption in UK "Brexit", Poland, Hungary and Italy's swing to the far right, Syria, Crimea, Ukraine and the list goes on. What does our news talk about? Stormy Daniels. We are in deep trouble!
3
Another move by Trump to destroy the Obama legacy.
Now he’s going after the economy Obama carefully nurtured back to prosperity after the deepest recession since the Great Depression.
5
As the administration prepares its list of "exempt" nations it is hard not to wonder if Russia will receive an exemption. Russia exports more steel than it imports and I'm sure that Putin's desires are a factor in Trump's decision. If I were reading a novel I would be impatient to get to the part of the book which reveals what Putin has on Trump. There is no sound rational for this tariff and even The Donald knows that.
3
So Republicans aren't really opposed to deficit spending (just the "right" deficit spending that gives breaks to the 1%) and now they seem not to support Free Trade. McConnell and Ryan can waffle all they want, they could pass a vote today in the House and Senate to stop this madness and remove the power to impose Tariff's without congressional approval.
Folks, like it or not, we are in a Global Economy, we can attempt to compete, or we can lose. The days of Americans graduating high school and going to work at the local factory are over and they aren't coming back. You need to get some kind of post high school education in order to make it. Europe and Asia will simply pass us by and leave us in the dust.
3
Over to the Judicial Branch.
Judges have recently blocked Trump’s moves to end DACA, deny funding to “sanctuary” cities and ban travel to/from certain Muslim countries.
Can’t we find a judge who could block Trump’s plan to impose these tariffs, which our Legislative Branch says would be harmful to our economy?
Of course, this begs the question as to why said Legislative Branch can’t do the job themselves, but, right now, we’ll take anything – including even a ruling by the “designated judge from a recent arbitration tribunal”.
Stormy weather ahead.
1
Trump's money is never where his mouth is, which makes the episode all the more difficult to process.
He has never cared enough about the American worker enough to honor his contracts, pay his contractors in full for work done, hire American workers for seasonal employment at his resorts (as opposed to applying for special temporary Visas), or exclusively purchase American steel for American buildings.
He has always been willing to sell American workers and American manufacturing down the river for personal benefits.
And it doesn't seem to me that anything has changed here. He knows not what he does, nor what he speaks of. The steel companies and the steel tariffs are being used for the purposes of a show, where the consequences of the opening salvo and the details of the closing act are totally unknown to the writer.
4
Here's an idea. The whole world can stop trade today with America for 15-30 days.
1
Whoever voted for Trump voted for dummy economics.
Trump is an economic dummy who has only survived all these years due to a dubious charm, inherited money, and an utterly unlimited willingness to go to the dark side.
The bad news is that he's not done working his dark magic on our economy; the good news is that he'll be gone (and hopefully in a NYS prison) by 2021.
Vote for a dummy and you get dumb and dumber economics.
12
Okay, and you assume somehow 35 percent of our population will become magically educated and intelligent within 2 years?
2
And thus the decline of America begins.
13
You mean, continues. Since Jan 20, 2017.
2
Sadly it began the day Obama left the White House.
2
No. It began January 20, 2017.
2
The lack of process and the flagrant ineptitude should give nobody any confidence in President Dennison the Menace. It serves the GOP right but having shares in the market myself, I am less than impressed.
13
Trump is right that NAFTA and TPP were bad deals for the American middle class. Too bad he hasn't got a clue how to improve the situation.
2
It is always me against them in Trump world. Calling it binary is too polite: it is paranoid. Trump against Pres. Obama, Trump against trading partners, Trump against immigrants, against women, against judges, against Democrats, against his own appointees, against the Congressional Black Caucus, against the State Department, the FBI, black athletes, the intelligence community, against the environment. Massive enemy lists have been compiled including by the New York Times of the hundreds who have been insulted by Trump. His ire builds across years, and he shoots his insults and name calling through his tweets, his rants, and now his wars.
Vindictive, conspiratorial, paranoid, thin skinned. It all becomes personal to Trump, the trade war included. So what if he alienates allies, kills the economy, and causes enormous harm?
The Section 232 pretext was debunked by Secretary Mattis in an official letter. This has zero to do with defense needs, with the military's requirement for steel and aluminum only 3% of the output. The trade war has everything to do with Trump's malevolence and need to strike out at perceived enemies.
The Republican Party aided and abetted by Russia is responsible for this monster they created and the ensuing chaos and harm to the nation.
26
The paralysis that percolates through the US due to Trump is remarkable. Are the Senators and Congress impotent or afraid of the rebellion of the Trumpskite uprise?
13
Trump reminds many of the "boy who cried wolf."
2
Is this surprising? The GOP establishment was always against him anyway. He doesn't need them, but he can play them. He can also use them as an excuse if he doesn't follow through just as he does with Sessions whom he's always ridiculing but never fires. It's a form of triangulation known as Trumpification.
3
Get rid of the Trump regime and we get rid of the tariffs, and every other farce he harms our nation with.
This shouldn't be as difficult as grade school finger painting. After all "We The People" did not elect him, or Pence.
10
Careful what you wish for. Assuming we could remove Trump, we get Pence. Assuming Pence was part of 45’s impeachable offenses, we get Paul Ryan as President.Maybe that’s enough to get us to the 2018 elections and tamper down what Congress can do.
So when is a 'tariff' not a 'tariff'?
When two of the principal couterparties will be exempted immediately and the remainder later.
CNN should immediately conduct a poll to establish what percentage of his base Have bought into this nonsense.
3
who would trust anything conducted by CNN????
Just to make sure my disapproval is registered! I'ma PhD economist but that matters for nothing in this sad swamp... nothing I can say will convince Trump's true believers - that is the tragedy of our time. People are voting, voting for what they think is right - it's nothing, building a nest in the wind...
8
Indeed, it's nothing. TrumpWorld is anti-intellectual. Ignorance is not just bliss it is celebrated. Soon, with a military parade. In TrumpWorld a PhD holder is not seen as someone who is inquisitive, who acquires knowledge. A PhD is seen as a negative.
2
“Wilbur Ross, the secretary of commerce, said countries would be exempted [from the tariff] if it served American national security interests.”
Exempting all countries serves American national security interests!
5
Psst, America! Your problem is NOT Trump but absence of democracy. No amount of flag-waving fixes that. Over 100 GOP lawmakers oppose tariffs? Most are millionaires with no integrity. That's how they got/stay rich. In a democracy, politicians account for their actions daily. You think that's the case in your country?
11
Can't US citizens see what an embarrassment Trump is when he simply tells lies in front of audience including the Swedish Prime Minister. It is not true that the US is "behind on every country" in terms of trade balance, nor is it true that "horrible barriers make it impossible to make our products go there" (to the EU that is). It's just rubbish. Trump can't hold a fact in his head and so comes out with these false assertions and these seem to drive his off-the-cuff policy decisions. That said, when the world does retaliate against the proposed tariffs, assuming that this not yet more of his hot air, then he will at least be vindicated in his view that the rest of the world is out to get the US. That will make the old fool happy, and he's less dangerous when happy.
11
Trump is an embarrassment. But these are the heydays of anti-intellectualism. Not knowing or understanding much is celebrated. Hence steel tariffs, Brexit and the return of Silvio Berlusconi. To stop Trump requires quality politicians and policies. In the US, the Democrats are a mess. Britain's Labor Party is not much better.
1
Yes, US citizens can see what an embarrassment Trump is, and we make our voices heard day after day. Please don't lump us all together. The majority loathe Trump and his policies, voted against him, and are shocked (though not surprised) and horrified by his acts. The fact that you are a NYT reader should make your aware of the dismay and despair of many many Americans about Trump.
3
Garry, most of us did "see what an embarrassment Trump is" and didn't vote for him that dreadful day in November, 2016. He lost the popular vote by 3 million and some say, if all the votes that were marked for Hillary had been allowed to be counted he would have lost by something like 3.3 million.
But just like the nightmare of Brexit and the myth creation to get good people to vote against their own interests our nightmare will continue until many people wake up. When that will happen is unknown now.
1
I am a proud Canadian. Not specifically going after the import dumpers while punishing everyone proves Trump is weak. Not exempting Canada and Mexico proves he's a know nothing. Using an exemption as leverage in the NAFTA talks was a good strategy. He just gave it away, getting nothing in return. When new NAFTA is signed, we'll (Canadians) sit back and yawn, let him brag about the great deal HE negotiated for American workers. PS: stay tuned for EU exemption within 12 hours. Weak
9
Ladies and Gentlemen... Trump is destroying this country via direction of Putin. The GOP put him there and they have on many occasions admired Putin and his form of government.
You had better start standing up for this country while you can.
10
Hitting himself in the face to show the world how really, really mad he is, Trump decides to punish the US economy to demonstrate his dissatisfaction with the 5% of US steel that comes from China.
In dusty squares around the globe Punch-n-Judy faithful gather to watch the puppet stooges wonder aloud how much of that 5% goes directly to Trump, who imports the good stuff from China for his own projects because he's a patriot and knows his own pocketbook matters more than some roller mill job in Pittsburgh.
The upshot of all this frothing at the wallet is that the world has, in just months, moved on. They wish we'd buy their steel but, honestly, they're so over us...over our bullying and whining, our threats and disruption and so over the self-destructive ego in the White House they welcome the chance to demonstrate how little they need us.
Of course they'll miss the sales. But they know that we're gonna need steel and we're gonna get it somewhere. Wherever we find it, whatever hole we create in traditional markets just to prove our point, those who sell to us now will step in and sell there instead.
As today's article on the rump-TPP demonstrates, the world goes on without us. Sure, they'd be happy to have us back. This time, thanks to Trump, its going to be on their terms. It'll be a long while 'til they trust us again.
Being a 'friend to Trump' is the kiss of impending death; now the world knows that being an 'ally of the US' comes with heavy penalties of its own.
4
He's trying to run the country as a one-man operation. He won't take advice or listen to any of his fellow republicans. He gets a bug in his head and unless he flip flops he forges ahead, right or wrong and most often it's wrong. Does he care about this country...no....does he care about the general population....no.
He's a loose cannon who needs to be contained instead of being allowed to do more and more damage before it's too late.
10
So, Trump will impose tariffs, then exempt countries from the tariffs... got it.
How about Russian steel companies?
6
Republicans: quit "imploring" YOUR president, and tell him to get his act together, or face consequences that should have been imposed long ago, and would have been, but for the GOP's craven cowardice.
Enough is enough.
10
This action will be the beginning of a downward spiral of the U.S. economy and collapse with the help of the "Corporate and Wealthy Tax Gift Act of 2017" which will leave the government broke and bankrupt, just like many of Trump's companies!
8
Congress can stop this but they won't.
8
With tariffs, Trump found the best way to drive a wedge between us and our allies. He's Putin's puppet for sure.
4
The child in the Oval Office will do anything to get more attention today than he got yesterday. Anything.
The world watches the tantrum, astonished that the parents, who have always allowed the child to run the family, are surprised that the tantrums are escalating.
Astonishing that Congress has allowed this child to take own the USA on their watch.
5
I don't know what is more insane - Trump, or the fact that he's being allowed to get away with trashing our country and now, perhaps, the global economy.
There are remedies for this situation. I cannot for the life of me understand the supine or perhaps complicit behavior of Congress.
There really is only one answer: every day that goes by, GOP leadership reinforces the perception that they're become truly, frighteningly extreme, and that the US is on a thin edge reminiscent of Weimar Germany. And we don't even have the excuse of a Depression and a crushing humiliation in war. So apparently a minority of Americans have decided that fascism is a good idea and the majority is helpless to stop them?
Why?
11
You hit the nail on the head. Trump is not the problem, but a symptom of a lack of democracy in a nation where millionaire lawmakers have jello for backbones and no integrity. You can slap 4, 5 or 9 flag decals on your car, it will not make America great again. It will not make it a democracy. America is just NOT a democracy!
I wonder how much money Trump is giving Melania to stay with him... it must be some crazy amount of money. Could you imagine what would happen if Melania or for that matter, the Trump ex-wives club joined forces and rolled over on Trump. What if some billionaire that hates Trump were to go to the Trump ex-wives club and promised them more money than what Trump is paying them to be quiet. Then we would really see "FIRE AND FURY"!
And now with Stormy Daniels being free to write and publish her story combined with at least two new women coming forward about having affairs with Trump while he was married… this could be the nuclear fuel needed to get the ex-wives club to come out.
2
For the Republican politicians who were too afraid, confused, and unpatriotic to oppose Trump during the 2016 elections I have a phrase often repeated by conservatives to share with you. "Elections matter!" Donald J Trump is your boy in the White House for two years and 10 months longer.
3
>
I don't do fuzzy math, therefore, I'm not an economist, moreover, as a pessimist I know better than to even care, but as an objective observer, DJT is shoring up PA, Wi, Mi etc ....where the 2020 election will be won or lost.
Wake up Dems and watch out for Bernie supporters.
DJT can win in 2020; he easily has 40%, plus 4-5% hidden support; toss in stay at home Bernie supporters.....
"The difficulty is to try and teach the multitude that something can be true and untrue at the same time."
Arthur Schopenhauer
“The genius is disinterested. He has fun with the world. He perceives its atrocities but delights in its atrocities. The genius in general is useless in practical life, because he does not seek his personal interest. He is antisocial, but sees the world better because he is objective.”
Witold Gombrowicz
1
If we didn't have such weak sisters as Speaker of the House and Senate majority leader, this could be easily and instantly undone. After more than a year of this catastrophic presidency, there's nobody left in Congress who doesn't know that we have an impulsive, malicious dunce in the White House, but they're still too cowardly to use the power they have to rein him in. There isn't even a coherent, cynical reason for it anymore, either; he's demonstrating that he isn't going to implement anything else on their Honey-Do list.
3
It's not cowardice. It's pure opportunistic greed and corruption.
1
I so thought the age of kings had passed. Guess not.
1
Exemptions
High rise office buildings, hotels, Republican only golf courses, houses over 20,000 sq ft and buildings with big gold letters, private jets, yatchs, and helicopters.
Did I miss anything? Oh yeah, limos.
3
The Office of the President is now a Trump family owned business. Republicans created this monster, and now it, and it's family, is on the loose. Don't expect this to change across a range of issues.
4
It comes to mind that his goal is to do as much damage as possible before getting kicked out.
4
Good. Now the Republican "leadership" knows how the rest of the country feels.
2
Well, I guess it has to get so bad the country is almost destroyed, before republicans or anyone with a brain stops trump. Adding trillions to the debt & deficit with a tax cut mainly for the rich that no one needed, and now a trade war (no one can win) is just the beginning. Trump's inexperience and lack of knowledge about policy, history, economics, geopolitical policy, other cultures, is astounding. History books may say in the future something like this "There was a great, rich country called America, basically a free democracy, that was destroyed when an uninformed electorate started electing not the best and brightest but the richest and least qualified who were reality tv hosts that conned the mindless masses!" Had enough yet??
5
Oh, I am SURE the news that an American steel producer is ALREADY calling workers back already was missed by the reporters involved in this coverage at the NY Times.
Among other losers of the 2016 election were the globalists. But we are a bit more nationalist now in America.
It should be OUR workers who are seeing their families enjoying a better life, not the Chinese - or the North Koreans whose products are routinely passed through China with Chinese labeling, avoiding the sanctions in place.
1
That means all our workers presumably, including the workers in all the industries which will be hurt by tariffs.
Please.
The incredible thing is that as wrong as Trump is about imposing tariffs on steel and aluminum, an action which will in fact make America poorer not richer, I would still vote for Trump instead of Clinton.
I am not alone. And the sad fact is that liberals live in a dream world in which the legitimate grievances of the poor who have played by the rules are held up as racist and bigoted.
The views were actually expressed in a slightly different form by Paul Ehrlich in the Population Bomb in 1968 and by a group of authors in the Limits to Growth of 1972.
They pointed out that population growth would cause starvation in much of the world and environmental degradation.
This in fact happened, but the authors of these studies were regarded by the vast majority of academics as crackpots. During later periods their views have been characterized as racist.
Mexico has two groups of people. Most Mexicans choose small families and that choice facilitates improvements in lifestyle. But many Mexicans want to have large families. So they self-select and immigrate to the US where their children are automatically US citizens and serve as advocates for their parents.
These children grow up to protest as students at universities. They march complaining that the US is a racist society.
The problem is that the large increase in population takes the safety net away from those poor Americans who have played by the rules and had small families.
They are the ones who vote for Trump.
Trump is doing everything he can to push congressional Republicans toward impeachment.
1
To a majority of the readers and commenters here...
Next time you are buying a used car, ask the President to go along with you.
You will get a good deal.
It's obvious that Trump works. I know its hard for many here to admit it.
Try it , it won't hurt.
There will be no trade war.
Trumps plan will help American workers.
And YOU TOO all you wealthy readers here that follow your investments...your richer now because of Trump.
1
What’s really going on? Has Putin ordered Trump to impose these tariffs?
2
This isn't a national security matter and Congress should exercise it's power. Unfortunately, our complicit GOP won't do that; instead it makes weak appeals that Trump blithely ignores. Making America Great Again - tax cuts - aren't resulting in wage increases for employees; defunding healthcare plans are a guaranteed ticket to sickness and death; defunding education ensures we won't be able to compete with other countries in the 21st century. The destruction of this country continues....who will finally man up before it's complete?
4
I seem to remember a time when the current office holder railed against executive orders, but now that is pretty much the only way he governs. Odd.
1
Check the levels of "short selling" as the one percenters get ready to make big big profits as the market drops in all those industries that use imported steel and especially those dependent on specialty types of steel.
1
Steel tariffs are primarily about NATFA loopholes that allow Canada and Mexico to use Chinese steel in exports. China is a secondary target and the EU, who slapped on big steel tariffs last year and is much more protectionist in general, is tertiary target.
But we've seen this game before. Allies threatened suit over the corporate tax cuts citing WTO anti-competitive behavior. Before that, the uproar was over Paris and TPP. The same arguments are always used: US will lose money, America is so dumb, we're isolationists, provoking allies into retaliation.
You would think the world would welcome our reckless economic decisions. Yeah, it may hurt a little short term for them. But long term America would be isolated, weaker, and less influential economically - to their economic benefit. That's not what we're seeing though. And it's telling.
1
How much more will rank and file republicans swallow ? Why are they so afraid of such terrible leadership, decision making and policy positions ? They know this is wrong.
Can’t the Hawaii judge block him? He seems to be setting national policy on most issues.
1
At least Cohn had a conscience and resigned. This is more than one can say for Mnuchin. I am hoping that very shortly Trump is stopped in his tracks. The Republicans are also so disingenuous that they will not support even comments against Trump, for the same kind of behavior they castigated Bill Clinton for. Totally biased politics from the Republicans.
2
Please please make our day, Mr. Clown in Chief - every day that passes is more evidence that Democrats are the new patriotic, conservative growth party: Civil liberty? Check. Fiscal responsibility? Check. Economic growth? Check. Free trade? Check. What has the GOP got? Neo-nationalist, anti-growth, anti-American, corruption, special interests. The funny thing is when we invest in our country and our people and plan ahead for moderate, wide-spread sustained growth we can afford even some things that seem like progressive pipe dreams like universal pre-school and public health care. When we throttle innovation and favor the power of the top .5% - GDP may or may not grow but our nation stagnates, our power weakens, everyone else has less.
3
Trump evidently needs a war of some kind and though this trade war, should it come to pass, will be costly and painful and serve no possible purpose beyond temporarily stroking the ridiculously over inflated ego of He Who Will Not Tell The Truth, at its worst it won't leave American parents mourning over the loss of their precious progeny; only their entire life's savings, old age pensions, and whatever delusional thoughts they still retain of their country's claim to exceptionalism and/or moral superiority.
2
O my gosh anyone objecting the president's decision to raise $$ for goods coming into this country when every other country in the world is being funded by us is shortsighted, has another agenda to other than the well being of the country, or is an illegal immigrant... The president said the $$ we as a country are giving away compared to what we take is in the billions! So his decision to tariff is in my opinion a great way to fill our country's coffers for a change.... Why does not anyone see the obvious?
Take what Leo Gerard suggests with a grain of salt... the head of the Steelworkers is a Canadian. No conflict of interest there.
" The administration argues that imports have degraded the industrial base necessary for the United States to make tanks, weapons and other military products."
Then how is it that America is the World's Number 1 Arms/Weapons/Military Materiel Seller/Exporter...bar NONE?
https://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/interactive/2017/02/10-countries-expor...
Another NYT article rightfully lambasting the latest short-sighted, moronic policy. If it makes you feel better to write outraged comments about it, so be it. But the intractable Trump base isn’t reading it and they’re not buying it. Millions of voters in TV reality show America will continue to support him based upon lies and empty promises. What does the Democratic Party have to offer as alternatives? Pelosi? Biden? Warren? Schumer? Where are the new ideas, where is the salesmanship, the dynamic and, yes, charismatic leadership? There was one way into this and there is one way out.
1
The "Big Guy" is beginning to fray at the edges. Who wants to go down in his ship? I predict a sudden run on life boats and The Donald bleating "where is everyone?" just before the ocean closes over his "should'a bought a toupee instead head"
You will not be missed mr. trump.
Trump's definition of winning..."I win, America loses."
1
The World has been ripping off America too long in the name of Free trade. Its time to have "Fair & Free" trade. President Trump should put tariff on all countries who have significant trade surplus with US.
One can only hope that Trump doesn’t suddenly announce, with great fanfare, his decision to bulldoze the White House and replace it with “something truly amazing, utterly fantastic, a million times better”.
That will come hard on the heels of a full-throated Oval Office tantrum ignited by a Fox News story about Hope Hicks’ latest travails, or Jared’s; or Hannity braying that the Mueller Investigation must somehow be stopped as it slowly closes in. Or, a congressional Democrat said something nasty about him on the House floor. Or, a late night comedian cracked a joke at his expense that lights a fuse inside his addled brain, detonating a bomb tucked away in there. It could be a joke about his latest uncovered extramarital affair or other unconscionable Trumpian idiocy that just floated to the surface like a bloated corpse.
Kaboom!
In Trumpdom nothing is sacred, everything profane. So, burn it down or tear it apart. Leave nothing standing. Leave behind nothing but utter devastation.
And a third of our nation still cheers Trump wherever he goes while Republican politicians sing his praises.
2
The biggest threat to this country's national security is Donald Trump. Can't we levy a tariff on him?
And the notion of national security as the reason for the tariff will be waged in courts, for any tariff against a trading partner who is not a true national security threat is unconstitutional.
The ONLY reason why Trump blurted out the tariff announcement last week was to get Jared's name off the front pages and screens of the media around the world and this was the only thing big enough to accomplish that. #weknowyourtricksoldman
Steel is used to construct buildings, right? How is this not somehow tied to his personal enterprises?
Have you ever seen more inept roll outs? Banning Muslims from entry into this country was another beauty. Trump comes up with these half baked ideas, checks with no one, and then watches as people in the background scramble to give some semblance of coherence to his half baked ideas. Watching Sanders in the White House press conferences explain what he is doing is like listening to an old comedy routine of Professor Irvin Corey. In the past politician would launch trial balloons to test the waters, Trump just springs these led eggs on the public with great regularity. But then again he is considered a genius by his loyal rural yokels.
1
Any additional reasons for the GOP to agree impeachment is the only solution is fine with me. Pence would be a congressional/corporate puppet which would stabilize the oligarchs until 2020....A drop in the Dow of 5000 points and interest rates up another 1.5 % is nothing compared to the damage these gangsters have already caused.
President Trump clearly wants to make a point. His point will be misguided and damaging beyond its scope of intended trade policy, however it is his point. He has moved the government policy bar lower - it used to be bad enough with "Ready, Fire, Aim!" but now we have "Fire! Ready? Huh?"
If you ever wonder how despots shilling deranged policies come into power all you have to do is look back over the past two years. Start with a bunch of men and women juggling the primaries, end with scorched earth and a mushroom cloud.
White House decision to impose tariffs on steel and aluminum imports is a disguise to pacify Chinese nationalism when Trump starts putting a tariffs on everything imported from China next. See, US is not signaling out China but also our allies. Don't underestimate Trump, who knows how to play chess. Trump is two or more steps ahead of us.
1
Those who support him must cling to this notion that he has some grand plan.
The human capacity for rationalization is infinite.
5 bankruptcies and the refusal to reveal his tax returns show Trump does not know how to play chess. A steel CEO came, whined, and Trump decides the whole world should be chastised. Stormy Daniels ain't going anywhere, Cohen Resigned, Holly walked, Jared is downsized - Trump throws a temper tantrum. What a child.
Really are you prepared to give him that much credit? He may be able to play checkers but chess??? That requires a certain degree if intelligence.
You can give him credit for some things but critical thinking is not one of them.
U.S. Steel opening up and expanding their operation, hiring another 500 people.
Let’s give this a shot. The fact that the globalists and Wall St is against it may not be the worst thing in the world.
6
OK so let's do the math. 500 new jobs promised at a steel mill that would re-open if the tarrifs go through compared to the 130 Million jobs currently in US. That is about 0.0004% increase in jobs BEFORE any accounting for finished metal producer jobs that are eliminated due to higher prices for raw materials. GREAT JOB Mr. President!
2
Doubt very much they just decided to do this in the last week, when the tariffs aren't even in place yet and may never be if the Great Dissembler stays true to form.
1
Auto companies will have lay-offs.
Bottling companies will have lay-offs.
How is 500 new jobs going to offset the losses?
1
What is the value of a country? For most of us, it is not only what it can produce and palpable things it has but also what it stands for. For years, inside its border, there was reasonable certainty of what you could expect from the rule of law, be you an international investor or an educated professional willing to find new opportunities. This was a magnet that attracted human and financial capital around the world to USA shores. It is also one of the reasons USA dollar is the "de facto" international currency. May some find the place where it/he/she has its roots unbearable because of troubled turnabouts, the USA was considered a safe place to look for; a beautiful, big, welcoming, stable country under the rule of law. It gave USA an enormous advantage in the international scenery.
The current situation does not assures that image anymore. Welcoming? Teared up by xenophobia and, worst, you may be sent to jail without what should be considered an universal, inalienable right, contact with lawyers and family members. Rule of the law? Not if things can be changed from out of the blue.
I wonder, what would be the consequences to USA economy if the US dollar was dislodged from its exceptional position because the powerful and rich of the world grow doubt thoughts about it as a safe bet and start to pursue alternatives? Not a good thing, for sure.
9
The Secretary of Commerce - famously mentioned his buying a can of Campbell at Seven Eleven for his lunch.
And then he pontificated about how little these tariffs will increase cost of that can.
Well, they sure have opened a can of worms.
Trade to be coupled with national security is irresponsible of a country of our might and stature. On the world stage, America has long advocated open borders for trade and not closed borders. If you want national security, supervise those borders better - but not via trade.
I am a Republican and totally oppose these levies.
The POTUS should be reminded of Senator Smoot and his tariffs and it's subsequent result.
Of all people, Al Gore devastated "you are the boss" Perot on that famous Larry King show from which he never recovered.
This POTUS - having already declared his candidacy for reelection - should better prepare when he meets his Perot moment.
Luckily, it appears that he is listening - exluding our neighbors and now allies.
He should also be reminded that one of the reasons he advanced his successful tax cuts - they will make American industry more competitive.
He is taking that punch bowl away before anyone even had a chance to help to a cup.
And finally, his talks of war - totally irresponsible.
If war he wants to wage - direct his attention to little rocket man.
2
If Trump excuses Canada and Mexico it could constitute part of an Agreement to promote Free Trade in North America. Now, what would we call that?
3
They just don't get it. America is not the top dog it used do be. What is the plan when these countries start to form even more associations that do not include America? What is the plan when the value of a dollar keeps sinking, possibly leading to other units for trade? No wonder why Trump has so many bankruptcies. But now there aren't any banks Russian or otherwise to bail him out with loans.
9
Just the piggy bank of the US taxpayer. Again.
There may be a real problem in how inflation is calculated. Over the years the manner in which it is formulated has changed quite a bit to keep Social Security payments as low as possible from year to year. How can inflation be low when we see the cost of insurance, all forms, go up. Food the same. Electricity and care and upkeep for one's home also way up. The cost of the military has gone sky high. And the guys in Washington on the U.S. gravy train do not give a hoot!
5
I really do like Trump at all, and am looking forward to his impeachment. I am ever suspicious of his plans and agenda but this tariff might be different. US steel claims that 500 US jobs will be created because of it. And Century Aluminum in Kentucky is set to hire back 300 workers. Each company is already in the process of doing such according to news agencies. I am definitely for the American Blue collar worker and for American jobs, so is this real? If so then its good, very good. To be honest, am a bit skeptical and somewhat nonplussed. Anyone have any comments or insights into this?
Opening steel and aluminum factories to boost output based on a presidential order that is not in effect to impose tariffs on those same products is a stunt. It gives the false impression that trump has done something worthwhile and the metal industries are responding to good business. If the tariff were to go into effect I think not one ounce of steel or aluminum would be affected coming to the US for a year. But prices will go up the day after the tariff order is signed. Just like the price of gas at the pump regardless what the price of gas was in the tanks under that the gas station, such arcane term these days.
1
A thousand jobs at the cost of a tanked economy. Sounds like a good deal to me. Yuge!
1
As an Economics student, I disagree with tariffs as they cause deadweight loss. However, he is fulfilling a campaign promise to support blue collar Americans. Many politicians say what people want to hear to get elected and then don't do those things.
1
So the corporate owners of the GOP made money for years exporting American jobs overseas. Now with the windfall generated by the Trump corporate tax cuts they'll rebuild the factories here with robots and automation. Fewer jobs, more profits.
When will the chumps figure out they voted for their own demise?
Unions are applauding the measure, which has traditionally pro union Democrats confused, but tariffs overall hurt the working class and especially the working poor. A century ago Churchill switched party allegiance over the issue of protectionism ( Corn Laws), because levying stiff tariffs on imports meant domestic producers could set prices in an artificial market, i.e. a market of their own making. Furthermore, if only certain markets are targeted with the objective to say, stop China dumping steel like they do everything else ( remember Solyndra?) they'll just funnel the product through an exempted market and nothing is accomplished. This bad idea is no substitute for an aggressive, pro active trade policy.
3
If you have a $1.5 trillion fiscal deficit financed by foreign countries you will have a trade deficit. This will not be fixed by imposing tariffs.
Many more jobs will be lost than will be gained. What happened to the conservative line about how the federal government shouldn’t pick winners and losers?
Why do the Republicans keep enabling this nightmare presidency, again and again, as it violates one conservative principle after another?
7
Given Trump's mindset, wouldn't surprise me if he's just embarked on a never-ending spiral of retaliation.
5
Does any one know if POTUS actually took any math courses while he attended high school? He may need help to figure out what would be the consequences of the across the board tarif increase on foreign steel. This is a very important issue, as he prepares to fix America's roads and bridges that need urgent repair.
4
What are you talking about? He bought--er, I mean--earned a Wharton degree (while letting his bone spurs heal)! That makes him an economist!
I tend to feel a lot of anger when I hear the latest news about Mr. Trump and his Republican facilitators. We get whipsawed with his lies and false claims, and then we are supposed to feel grateful when he pulls back from shooting himself in the foot to get at us. But the right path isn't anger. Somehow we all need to try to dilute the bad and the wrongs that come at us like diluting brine by adding pure water. It is a challenge every day to try to remember to water the positive seeds within ourselves. Thank you Mr. Trump for giving me such a powerful incentive to make my daily spiritual program stronger and more robust so that despite you I can spend my day having good and positive feelings.
1
How can it be legal for one person to decide something so important? This presidential power needs to be removed.
2
For the sake of our country -- of discouraging any more of this -- I hope the EU responds by dropping an anvil on the US economy if he actually goes through with these tariffs. I don't know if it's feasible, but if I were Canada and Mexico I might wish to act preemptively to forge a new "NAFTA" that brings China in and shuts the US out until it grows up. Maybe other countries can be the checks and balances if no one is willing or able to fill that role internally anymore. I'm a die-hard Democrat but when it comes to trade I am such a Republican. Protectionism is so wrong. I shouldn't have to say it. And apparently it doesn't matter if I do.
1
Canada and Mexico will not change anything because of the 30 day exemption. This is nothing more than a Trump attempt to coerce and threaten Canada.
I want Canada to join with China, EU, Mexico as a trade bloc of countries to take measures to form retributive tariff measure against Trump tariffs. This could be the start of a new bloc of nation-Nations Against Trump Tariffs-and could wield enormous economic strength. This "trade bloc" could serve as a real hammer to avoid more tariffs from Trump and punish US in ways that Trump never imagined. It is time to become serious for countries which will be affected by Trump trade. Get together all countries-and hit back.
I support tariffs against China. Bring back manufacturing jobs. What's the use of cheap things if there are few good paying jobs and the manufacturing capability of the States is jeopardized?
American can't afford to pay what it costs to buy well-made American-made goods anymore thanks to years of wage stagnation brought on by the Republicans and their corporate overlords.
I am not American, but every day that I read about Trump, I wonder why why why did Americans elect him? Why self destruct such a great country? Democracy is a reflection of the people, but I guess that this was a mistake of the people..
It's just a matter of time before that will be a reaction by the rest of the world and then another angry action by Trump and another reaction, and then the end of free trade........
We all enjoyed while it lasted, now the world of free trade as we know it will come to an end.
6
fred: "... I wonder why why why did Americans elect him?"
We didn't. He lost by 3 million votes. Our lunatic Electoral College system ushered in a lunatic president. This happened four other times in our history, but never could anyone have envisioned consequences the likes of today's. We knew it would be bad, but this man has outdone our direst expectations.
1
"Democracy is a reflection of the people, but I guess that this was a mistake of the people.."
Correction: it was a mistake by a deplorable minority of people.
1
1) why is it that the Canadian steel producers can export their products into the US and still make a profit? Does the Canadian government subsidize them?
2) Well steel is about 40 cents per pound, much cheaper than bananas. If steel is so critical for our national security why wouldn’t our government grab up a few million ton and stockpile it, the way we stockpile oil??
1
This started because Donald Trump needed shiny objects to distract from scandals, affairs, the son-in-law's legal problems, and white house exodus.
He's easily bored, and would rather be dictator than president.
Let's not forget he once said "The same assets that excite me in the chase, often, once they are acquired, leave me bored.”
6
Completely destroying post-War European progress, a Europe that we helped rebuild and then we helped set these open trading policies to help prevent economic circumstances that led to the wars in the first place.
But hey, destroying the global economy is supposedly going to give the US >100,000 jobs that have been lost in steel over the last 25 years. No one can say the US isn't being hijacked by the Christian, white nationalist, and now the economic fringe.
4
Ironically, EU Countries offer the best example that free trade (recently adding Canada and Japan to the list) does not have to come at the expense of workers. IG Metall, a German union with over 2 million members, recently negotiated a substantial wage increase for example. American workers are being misled once again by the GOP: While they mistakingly think Trump's retreat from free trade is a victory for them, the SCOTUS sophists are preparing a devastating blow to their unions.
7
Isn't the EU our ally? How about S. Korea and the Pacific Rim nations? I can't wait to find out if Russia is counted as our friend...
If our [former] allies are exempted, that leaves China. So, what started as global tariffs end up as targeted specifically at China. Oh, what fun!
1
Let’s closely read this article. Trump’s tariff is a derivative of his draconian economic policy. He respects Peter Navarro and Wilbur Ross for undermining free-trade and for supporting protectionism. But draconian attitudes and protectionism are bad elements for an economic construct. These elements will lead us into a global trade war, an economic decline, an economic benefit for American Steel as their foreign competition is diminished, and a boost for Trump’s pride. Our lawmakers need to closely evaluate these negative and positive impacts of Trump’s tariffs. Such an evaluation seems to show that the tariff promotes the interests of Trump and a very very very small sect of the American industry. The rest of American people do not get any benefit. So may our lawmakers find a way to undermine Trump’s tariff.
2
These Republiclowns want to "avoid unintended negative consequences"...
Now??
How much evidence do you need for all the prior damage done in such a short time?
With each move we get new people who find their "integrity" and resign, but until much of America is demolished, this mockery of Presidency is not stopping.
2
Interesting tp see how the NYT and it's readers respond to this. Do they take the Republican and Business community line that favors free trade and cheap labor for business. or do they favor their usual, more liberal constituents that oppose outsourcing of jobs. Interestingly, we have heard only from the economists that favor globalization and not from the many that don't. Remember, economics is an ideology and not a science. I agree there will be some short term disruption and pain but suspect that there may be some long term benefits. I believe very few rational persons believe that China has not rigged the trading system against us.
The big question nobody seems to ask is: why USA production costs are so high? So that even countries such as Australia export steel and Aluminium to USA. Tariffs could be a sensible temporary measure - if there was a plan to make USA production world competitive - but there is no plan?
Out in America's heartland, what people need to understand is that these tariffs are going to cost them lots, and lots of money. Every consumer good that is imported could see cost increases due to foreign country's imposing tariffs in response to ours. Steel and aluminum will increase in cost for all structural and building materials. That will also increase the cost of construction which will increase the cost of rentals and retail goods. Americans need to figure that out! The cost of these tariffs are going to come out of our pockets, and go into the pockets of importers and builders, and commodities traders. There goes that tax break, folks!
I've just read in a Canadian newspaper that Canada and Mexico will be exempt from the tariffs for "national security reasons".
If this is true, then these tariffs will be only symbolic.
US cars imported into Europe are taxed at 10% while European imports into the US are taxed at only 2.5%. What's the logic of that?
1
“Hopefully as the administration works their way through the application of these tariffs..."
Should the administration have worked it's way through these applications, before making the announcement. I live in another country now, because I did not want to live in a country with Donald Trump as president. Still, I weep for my country as he takes it apart, bit by bit.
3
Ken Iverson, the founder of Nucor Steel is turning in his grave. Mr. DiMarco has strayed far away from Ken's founding principle for his steel company. Ken did not ever support extra tariffs to add profits to his company. Ken believed that you survived because you are good at what you do, not because of political favors from those whom you support for election.
The Donald has always gamed the system to make money - he is now about to throw our economy down the drain with his economic ignorance.
1
On the front page of today's NY Times, this tariff fiasco is just one of many stories documenting Trump's avarice and incompetency. Today alone, in addition to this tariff brouhaha, there are stories about Trump's possible witness tampering in the special prosecutor's investigation, his legal battle with his former porn-star mistress to whom he paid "hush money", and op-eds about yet another staff resignation and the abdication of American soft power in Europe.
Any one of those would be the biggest scandal of any other presidency. Yet with Trump, the sheer volume of scandals and controversies seems to drown them out. There's always a new one that knocks the previous one off the front page. And that's against the background of steady fears of economically disastrous trade wars, nuclear war and the slow but steady dismantling of regulatory and environmental protections.
Has it really only been 13 months? Will we be able to endure 35 more months of this nightmare of a dysfunctional presidency?
2
It is difficult for most people to grasp how much Donald J. Trump cares about himself and himself, only. Conditioning techniques convinced 60 million Americans that he was in it for them. The rest of America knew better but will remain victims of that fervor for, possibly, 8 yrs. Everything Trump has done while in office has benefited him and long time, "loyal" oligarchs who have dumped stocks according to Trump's feigned rage of the week; curiously enough just before Trump's announcements. They've cashed in millions if not billions before the stocks tumbled. Then they buy them back at the lower price. It's called Tin Pot dictatorship. Trump calls it being president.
1
The Trump tariffs would damage the entire national economy, as well as destabilize the entire global economic system. All this in order to harness the anger and resentment of Trump-supporters in the rust-belt states to Trump's latest need to deflect attention from the newest White House horrors. Even for steel and aluminum workers, protectionist benefits will be at most temporary and marginal. Steel and aluminum, like coal, are declining industries not so much because of foreign competition, but because of technology, automation, and input-displacement. Short-term gains for the few will be consumed by longer-term price increases, inflation, and economic slow-down. Trump tariffs are a tax on all American consumers.
And "national security" is a false rationalization for these tariffs. Blindly lashing out at our closest allies and our most reliable sources of strategic materials hardly improve national security. What it does is weaken our ties with other Western democracies at a time of a surging challenge from China and Russia.
Nor is this the latest experiment with a disproven, flat-earth-like doctrine of economic protectionism. Nothing that respectable. This is just Donald Trump changing the subject when threatened. White House-money laundering, quid pro quo deal making, security lapses, domestic violence, sexual scandals, Russian collusion, and outright treason.
Deflect. Change the subject. Save Donald Trump's hide. Whatever the cost.
2
Peter Navarro has decided only China should be subject to trade sanctions given his distrust of that nation that has climbed into the super-power league by maximizes its global trading activities with its "under-valued currency". Occasionally China has crossed the line by dumping steel in world markets and been punished with tariffs in the US and EU. But China not like Russia which does pose a direct challenge to US military superiority on paper. Also Russia after Kiev 2014 coup not intimidated by the US. However China has never wanted to question the USA in the same way. China connected with the US with large-scale US investments in China like APPLE Ford and GM. China needs the US as a working partner. Trump considers trade wars as a natural retaliation to American manufacturing decline. He fails to realize in Europe manufacturing is also in decline like Britain with no volume car industry to speak of compared to Germany or even France which needed Chinese help-money. China aware the US sells advanced weapons to Taiwan Japan and South Korea as a business and to remind China not to step out of line. Such a theory is an anathema to China which suffered at the hands of Japanese imperial aggression like Korea. History exists if wise people care to read it.
Does America's so called "Trade Deficit" include American products manufactured in and distributed from China?
Does it include American arms and weapons sales to allies (and anyone who has a buck to spend), including "Aid" from countries that must "Buy" American made weapons and war products?
Or don't those and these things count as "trade"?
1
Do read a lot into this. Trump’s MO is to make a big, even absurd ask in the first round of any negotiation. Threatening a tariff fits. He could even sign the order today and it won’t matter as he is already searching out opportunities for exceptions based on more favorable treatment. This can only go so far. At some point the complexity of many side agreements and exceptions will create a bureaucracy that markets WTO and NAFTA look easy. That will be the problem. When it hits, there will be another person in the Oval and it will take a lot of effort to get back to a regime of trAdina treaties that treats all parties more or less equally.
1
The timing of this sudden announcement by Trump makes me suspect that this is a Hail Mary attempt to sway next week's PA 18 special election in which a strong Democratic candidate Lamb, has overtaken the GOP incumbent Saccone in a Pennsyltucky district whose residents were easily taken in by Trump's anti immigrant, protectionist flim flam. Today's news that there will be a two week delay in implementation only makes the smell stronger. I bet the tariffs are suddenly rescinded once the elections are past . . .
1
I’m no economist. But I do know a sense of stability is good for the economy, and we don’t have that, and it looks like we’re not going to get it. The other day I heard a report that since the tax cuts became law, workers got $3 billion in bonuses, but $200 billion was spent on stock buybacks, increasing the value of shares and benefiting CEOs and wealthy investors — the opposite of the Republican sales pitch.
The point is, I’m holding on to my money even more than before because who knows what’s going to happen, and I’m sure not going to place my trust in President Trump’s words. You want to believe him, be my guest, but he’s always been a fast-talking hustler and, in fact, takes pride in it. I’m sure he’ll come out OK. To the rest of us, good luck.
2
This is all about trying to not lose the special congressional election in western pennsylvania by appealing to the dead still industry supporters there, where Republicans are about to lose in an incredible reversal of public opion (~ 20 points). 90% of what Trump is doing is to enrich himself or the republican party -- it's not about policy, it never has been.
1
I am sympathetic to the idea that politicians have really dropped the ball by not reacting to the affect free trade has had on local employment and the continuous export of our manufacturing base to third world countries.
But regulating free trade is like brain surgery. Changing something here can have a dramatic impact on what goes on someplace else.
Therefore, any attempt to work on free trade must be carried out with a scalpel and not a chain saw.
Finally, to all the people who are cheering Mr. Trump on and who demand high trade tariffs, please remember this:
Be careful what you wish for. It might come true!
What we see now is the same issue that usually happens with Trumps projects:
He goes on a rampage, finds perceived enemies because he does not understand anything, calls for sanctions against against his perceived enemies and mostly shoots himself and the people around him into the foot.
After that the project fails miserably and he will ask for others to clean up the mess as he already has forgotten that is was him who created the mess in the first place.
His company usually was able to convince banks to bail out the project as they would have lost more than it was worth.
In the case of the US I wonder who will bail out an entire country?
The US is not a member of the EU in which there is a system that e.g. caught Greece, Spain and Portugal.
The US is all alone.
The problem with Trump is that he is entirely uneducated and has no contact to real life outside his bubble.
He does not understand that the US has become just one player of many and by far not even the biggest.
That the US has to abide by the rules of a number of agreements such as the WTO.
And that the US is completely integrated in a globalized production and services system that it needs to survive.
There is no easy way out of this system unless you believe that going bankrupt is a solution.
And yes, he is also totally unwilling even to listen.
Looks like he and the US are in for a huge lesson in big time failure.
1
Where is the reasoned and rational use of tariffs. Oh, it is Trump's plan.
If only there was some sort of other branch that could serve as a check on the executive branch...
I believe it's called the legislature. Perhaps Congress will remember that they don't have to lick Trump's shoe all the time and that they are a co-equal branch of the government.
1
The pusillanimity of the Republican Congress is bottomless. They could pass a law to retract Congressional delegation of tariff power to the President, but they won't.
Pushback from "Republicans"? That's a laugh. Their "constituents" are blinded by every shiny object trump proposes for the "American Worker". Where are those great jobs he promised? You know, the jobs right down the street in their own home town, so they don't have to move. Where is that "beautiful" health care at "such a low price"?
It's a Con. Meanwhile trump rakes in the cash, unchallenged by "Republicans"
1
Trump believes that trade deficits are like red ink on a balance sheet, and that by reversing that you’ll get great economic growth. Economists and bankers know that is patently false. Just look at Japan which has run trade surpluses for years. What did that get them? Feeble sluggish economic growth for decades. As Milton Friedman has said, if China and other countries want to send us their cheap products in return for our paper dollars, we’ll give them as much of our paper dollars as they want. Ultimately those dollars will buy American goods or finance our debt.
1
Is the White House seriously threatening Mexico and Canada with tariffs on steel and aluminum to get a "great" NAFTA deal? First of all, strong arming immediate neighbors for a "win" is hardly going to result in anything productive. Even then, have any of these knowledgeable officials considered what will happen when, not if, a country outside of NAFTA challenges these tariffs at the WTO?
These are choices made in a myopic environment, ignorant of all other players and all other factors. I thought my ability to be shocked had since dissipated in the past 14 months, but it is clear that ability is quite alive and well.
I don't know why people get upset and place so much value on what Trump is threatening to do about anything. It is a waste of energy, because it is going to change by tomorrow or day after. He has already exempted Canada and Mexico, before it is said and done, it will evolve multiple times.
What does it mean when Wall Street and the Republican party are against tariffs?
They suddenly want to protect the working man and woman?
Clueless administration led by a 12 year old. Sad for America.
1
"Wilbur Ross, the secretary of commerce, said countries would be exempted if it served American national security interests. “It’s defined to include effect on employment. It’s defined to include effect on individual industries. It’s not the conventional definition of national security,” he said."
I fail to see how this hastily burped out policy serves out national security. If anything, it weakens it because tariffs and trade wars historically have driven consumer prices up and led to unemployment.
As for steel required for defense, the US already produces enough, and it's longstanding policy that US produced metals are to be used for defense contracts.
The EU will be preparing its list of products for tariff retaliation. I hope Donald Trump, ignoring the please of his party, is prepared for the economic fallout, which should hit pretty much by the mid-terms.
Trump is standing alone on this. When it blows up in his face, who will he blame? It's going to be pretty hard to pin this one on Hillary or former president Obama.
14
Beyond polite urging a la Paul Ryan style the agitated Republican Congress can't do anything that prevents Trump from pursuing his ego driven policy course however self-destructive it could prove in the end. Trump knows it well that after much hew and cry the timid lawmakers would ultimately settle down on some petty deals.
33
I am endlessly disturbed by the daily attempts made by Republicans in Congress to deal with Trump as though he is "normal." If they want to influence what happens in this country, they will have to propose legislation that overrides Trump's executive orders. Of course, that would require that they truly come out of hiding. I'd say the same about Democrats. If they intend to represent the will of the people, they should propose legislation that reveals their stance on important issues - ban assault rifles, fix the ACA. They will have to come out of hiding, too. When Republicans refuse to even consider legislation proposed by Democrats, their intransigent bi-partisanship will continually be exposed.
160
I think Democratic strategy is to bank that Trump and his Republican enablers will self-immolate. Therefore, they see no value in making concrete declarations (via legislative proposals). Another possibility is that their managerial skills are so poorly developed that they cannot put together a cohesive messaging campaign. I live in a congressional district represented by a Republican who frequently communicates with her constituents by email newsletter. How hard is it to do this? The absence of creativity and persistence on the Democratic side is bothersome.
Agreed. Republicans have only themselves to blame for this madness. With Gary Cohn's exodus, we have a parting of the Red Sea. Both red politicians and red states will be twisting themselves into knots to explain why their economies are being hurt by a trade war in addition to the massive tax cuts for the rich.
Both Democrats and Republicans in Congress have a constitutional duty to enact laws that help all of America. When the president's mind or his minders are MIA, it is the turn of Congress to act.
1
It would appear every new US President fails at the first hurdle if he is not a proverbial saint or able to walk on water. A wave of recriminations follows every US President if they seem human. How much can they achieve except signal another war? So much negative energy devoted to undermining every US President. Americans seem unforgiving. Take the recent bunch: Kennedy Nixon Ford Carter Clinton Bush Obama and now Trump defending their reputation like a rerun of the Alamo last stand. America gets the leaders they deserve and they pay for it. On hindsight Jimmy Carter was the best US President in my humble opinion; no guesses for the worst; the apprentice.
Okay, there are economic models which say tariffs are bad. Bad, bad, bad.
I’ve read those models.
However, do we, the USA, subscribe to a global economy or not?
If we do not, then bring on the tariffs.
Economic analysts have such a hard time with these models. Hmmmm.
Let’s see what happens.
4
Re-read the history of the Great Depression. We know what tariffs do.
62
The US is a major exporter of Goods and Services and it has great competitive industries (technology, finance, consumer products etc). Surely if the US becomes an island the result will be reduced trade and export. Why do that? It's like self inflicted destruction of your own economy.
1
Leslie, other countries will not sit idle; it's not as easy as you think even if models are complicated...
Yes, the tariffs might be temporarily inflationary. The Fed is starving for some inflation in order to "normalize" interest rates.
1
They are already normalizing. Mortgage rates are climbing and housing sales falling. The facts are there for all to read, should they chose to do so.
We need higher interest rates like a track star needs to shoot herself in the foot.
Infrastructure will never get built if interest rates go up.
Right, let's make the fed happy after the $$ they stole from retirees and savers to make the Trump's of the world richer.
The daily outrage directed at Trump is such wasted effort. Anyone can reach for the stars and run for President. He demonstrated his true self every step of the way. Outrage would be better directed toward those who voted for him, although even that outrage should be muted by the alternatives in a cowering pool of politicians.
27
Some outrage is due this who voted for DJT but most of it should be reserved for those who failed to vote, period. When one candidate is supported by zealots (who turn out in great percentages), it is imperative that everyone vote.
2
Outrage should NOT be directed at those who voted for Trump. That plays directly into Russia's hands. It is exactly the division Russia and Putin are trying to exploit. If we continue to respond to Russia's game by turning on each other we lose big time and perhaps permanently.
Those who voted for Trump had some legitimate reasons for doing so. So address the legitimate reasons raised but with solutions adhering to the real values of this country, not to Trump's and Congress's nationalist/fascist fantasies of a rich, white, and male-dominated society. Bernie Sanders came closest to understanding this and his ideas are a good starting point. He had support from many Trump voters.
The United States is dependent on imports of raw materials that are needed to keep our economy moving. U.S. manufacturers are now more than 40 percent dependent on imports of many commodity and rare earth metals. For example, import reliance on gallium is at 94 percent, cobalt and titanium 81 percent, chromium 56 percent, silicon 44 percent and nickel 43 percent. These minerals are critical for defense and energy technologies and many high-tech consumer products. We are also dependent on imports for neodymium, samarium and dysprosium, but they are crucial in the manufacture of jet fighter engines, antimissile defense systems, night vision goggles and smart bombs, among other advanced military systems. And they have many other high-tech applications — computers, cell phones and flat-panel televisions, for example. Additionally, they are essential to petroleum refining, automotive catalytic converters, wind turbines and electric vehicles. The foreign production of rare earth minerals is concentrated almost entirely in a single country with its own rising industrial demand: China..
No man is an island entire of itself;
Trump is selling nationalism as if the US was a ship in the bottle. .
71
A year from now, five, ten years from now, how are we little folks going to know if these tariffs were good or bad for us? I suspect Trump and his Republican "yes men" will claim great benefits and we won't know if that's true or false. The employment rate is already high. Corporate profits are already high. The stock market is up. This strikes me as a purely political, macho chest-thumping move. He can brag that he stood up to our North American and European trading partners and asserted American economic dominance.
13
You'll know short order if they're bad for us. Re-establishing last century's manufacturing base using coal, making our own steel, privatizing infrastructure is a sure-fire economic and environmental disaster.
1
Because you will be holding a paper cup as you beg in the street and not a tin one. Just what Republicans want.
1
Abigail, you ask a very important question. Unfortunately, it is impossible for the average person to form a halfway educated guess because we read these articles that are full of secondhand opinions and political guesses by pundits but we are never told much about the sanctions, following sanctions or how any of this stuff will actually impact people. Listening to a politician offer his approval or her disapproval is completely useless be cause we are just getting the party line. I would like to see some real journalism with more facts and science and a whole lot less political double talk. I will thank the NYT in advance for such an article. Shine that light on the truth if you will, please.
1
What are the democrats saying about all of this? The article mentions the 100+ republican legislators taking a stand and sending the president a letter, but did the democrats do anything to either support or oppose these tariffs? Were there comments from the Democratic leadership?
12
Making America Great Again. Wait until the impact of these tariffs are felt by those outside the steel industry who voted for Trump. The peasants will be at the GOP's Frankenstein's Whitehouse gates with torches and pitchforks. Trump's latest move may say the Country.
12
I doubt that those who voted for Trump would even understand the connection between his tariffs and the economic result. And Canada will not roll over because of his threat to remove Canada's exemption if he doesn't get his way with NAFTA. He's so used to bullying in his private life, he doesn't understand that political dynamics are entirely different.
1
Just another chapter in a continually unfolding drama. From afar, I keep wanting to see what the Democrats are doing to defeat the Republicans in the upcoming elections. They simply must have young, able, presentable people to offer as candidates. If they can't muster enough votes to stop the ongoing circus, then no one will be able to deny that the American people support what is going on.
24
The Dems have no message, unless you think “I hate Trump”, identity politics and being a social justice warrior is a message.
1
Remember, the GOP has the power to stop Trump's madness but won't. What does that mean to the average person?
14
So Canada will get an temporary exemption that will only be extended if the US gets a "great" trade deal in the on-going NAFTA talks...sounds like a blatant threat.
Mr. Navarro would be wise to remember that Canada is the United States largest trading partner and tariffs can go both ways.
43
NAFTA is good for the USA, but Canada may benefit even more. This, you see, is something Trump can't accept. So he will be willing to hurt our nation economically in order to hurt Canada more. And there you have the essence of the Trump mindset. Trump is too narcissistic, too mean-spirited to enjoy a win-win scenario if he is not winning the most. But hurting someone badly is just fine even if creates some personal pain (as long as it's less pain). This is the logic of an immature, impulsive, emotionally damaged human being.
51
Oh, you must mean the generation in the southeast on welfare, opiods, etc. Whose jobs and factories that were shipped overseas by patriotic corporations that lobbied for no import tariffs from their destination countries?
There is no national security threat,obviously. I could make 10 arguments how the tariffs INCREASE the threat to national security. Why can't those harmed sue the executive branch? Ford, as an example, makes trucks from aluminum. The tariff will increase their costs (we don't make enough aluminum in the US for all of the trucks, soda cans, etc) so companies that use aluminum will see their costs increase. Seems like Ford and others would have a good case for an injunction. Those who think this is good for America simply do not understand. Tariffs simply take money from users (e.g Ford) and gives it to companies that make steel and aluminum. It is simply shifting money into the pockets of Trump's friends at the expense of others.
27
It is an article of faith to Republicans that taxing corporations is futile because they just pass them on to consumers by raising prices.
1
Oh, but those companies will hire more folks now? Like they will from tax breaks? Hahahaha
1
Trump "plans to impose tariffs by utilizing a little-used legal provision that allows the president to take action to defend national security."
Trump has always used the legal system, law, as a ferocious, deadly weapon to browbeat, bully, undermine and run roughshod over everyone. He has also used the lack of it to behave unethically. No doubt his underlings are busy scouring every legal provision out there to see how much more power can be amassed and wrested from other branches of Government - "In Good Faith" is for the birds with this administration.
Has he neutered Congress? But that's not saying much, most of them neutered themselves by kowtowing to him from the get-go in order to gratify their personal desires and enrich themselves.
Presidential Authority over Trade: Imposing Tariffs and Duties
https://fas.org/sgp/crs/misc/R44707.pdf
"The United States Constitution gives Congress the power to impose and collect taxes, tariffs, duties, and the like, and to regulate international commerce. While the Constitution gives the President authority to negotiate international agreements, it assigns him no specific power over international commerce and trade. Through legislation, however, Congress may delegate some of its power to the President, such as the power to modify tariffs under certain circumstances. Thus, because the President does not possess express constitutional authority to modify tariffs, he must find authority for tariff-related action in statute."
21
One can blame Obama for making the executive order the norm......
Was allowing manufaturing to move to places with a less well paid labor market such a good idea?
Shipping cost should go down.. if more items are made in the USA> ()o green?)
Not sure how many jobs can come back given automation.
I think tariffs should be placed on all military items made in USA by our trading partne Make real war more expensive: give peace a chace.
Bourbon and cranberry tariffs -- tee hee!! (Swtich to rye...dyi. Makes a perfectly deent sour or punch.
A conspiracy theorist might question if it was Putin who ordered the tariffs. It seems like everybody except Trump and some of his "loyal" people thing this is a horrible idea. Even Mitch and Paul actually timidly questioned the tariff idea.
The fact that Trump apparently is going ahead in the face %90 or more opposition reenforces that Trump does not understand the POTUS job.
9
Terry Sheehan's reaction to the announced steel tariffs is typical of the shortsightedness of most politicians these days . It boils down to: I don't really mind trade wars as long as I can watch them from the sidelines and as long as they do not affect my little constituency . This, coming from a Liberal MP theoretically committed to free trade .
3
It is good to see many of the Republicans standing up against Trump's foolhardy protectionist tariffs. They have been too long coming. Republicans have been free traders for many decades. Trump is pursuing what was the foolhardy policy of most Democrats until Clinton. From Clinton on, even most Democrats (except the unions) understood the advantages to all trading partners from free trade and the harm that protectionism causes.
2
Why are the richest people in the world doing apparently nothing about this? They must believe either that nothing awful is going to happen, or that something awful is going to happen but they'll come through it richer than ever.
7
The fact that the tariff imposition is "justified" by manipulation of misleading
data, ignoring and never mentioning effects of automation, and disregarding
service sector growth is comparable to the abysmal
argumentation justifying climate change denial at the physical
reality that is all around us. So, if you can get 100 trumpicans
to oppose the former, why are there not 100 to oppose the latter?
What is clearly lacking is the fear of concrete economic pushback from
other countries furious at this lunatic denialist policy that is based upon
no evidence, which will also negatively affect the citizens of these
countries. Presumably, it is only when such pushback becomes explicit and
can be felt by voters in the red districts who send these
trumpicans to congress, that they'll also be lining up to
to demand a change in the pruitt-zinke-perry head in
the sand promotion of carbon energy sources.
And if the pushback comes from mother nature and not these
countries, so much the better since it will also
be completely and utterly indifferent
to the human suffering left in its wake.
5
What the president is really trying to do is put a tariff on the work of Robert Mueller and the attention span given to it in the daily reports of the media. Certainly there are economic repercussions but the trade in information is getting much too costly now and must be diluted.
10
Trump is throwing a hissy fit every day, and he changes policy by the hour. I can't believe that industry leaders are watching this and not putting pressure on the GOP to do something. Maybe they are waiting on Mueller, but Trump can cause so much turmoil in one day that it's truly frightening.
11
If the US Senate does not muster the required 2.3rd majority to counter Trump's tariffs, they, too, are no better than Trump. Both parties need to put aside their squabbling and act for the best of the USA (I know, they're unfamiliar with the concept, but in history this has happened before).
9
Trump's getting ready to capitulate, and said he's not ready to sign-off yet. His swamp, things from wall street, along with his big biz 'gators are already bubbling out of their swamp and feeding with him at their trough of greed...
Don't forget 84% of the market gains this past year went to the top 10%. Today's market jitters made them think they're not ready to give up their long term filet mignon dinners, and exorbitant weekends hanging with Betsy's bro Prince at his Seychelles hang-outs with Bad Vlad's buddies.
7
unfortunately many trump supporters here in texas do not understand that texas is not built on oil and cattle anymore but nafta.
27
"Don't mess with Texas stupidity !"
26
The USA cannot and will not hold either Canada or Mexico hostage to a breakthrough on NAFTA. It is clear that NAFTA benefits all three partners and should not be for the benefit of just one. If the American Secretary of Commerce chooses to forget this fact then he also fails to remember that trade is a two-way street.
63
One day, about ten or twelve years from now, we will all find out what was really going on at this time - and our collective jaws will be on the floor. Hope we make it to that day...
75
We know what's going on. We know why. Like you, I do hope we make it to that day.
1
I continue to no longer be shocked by the behaviour and policies of Donald Trump. When one thinks he cannot go any lower, he goes much lower. No individual is safe from abuse. There is no central theme or underlying philosophy with Trump.
Trump has always, and will continue to be, all about promoting Trump. If hurdles get in the way, its time for a myriad of deflections or demonstrably false assertions from Trump. While one is fact checking his seemingly incorrect tweet, there are another three more aggressive tweets to check.
Trump has set a record in staff turnover. A high number of ex Trump officials have now been caught up in Mueller’s investigations. Trump continues to bounce from one self inflicted disaster to the next, with zero hint of it changing his chaotic Presidency.
Everyone who wants to look, can observe that Trump is out of his depth as President. Now he is surrounded by more questionable characters. Trump’s Presidency is a current disaster. We don’t need to wait 12 years to find out how bad Trump is for America in 2018.
1
President Trump can save face (and vicariously our economy) by limiting tariff exemptions to only those countries that are located on Earth. All other nations are irreversibly subject to the tariff.
29
Trump probably thinks earth is a country.
1
All that has to happen is that other countries need to put tariffs on firearms and the NRA will put pressure on Donnie to reverse his position
51
But, putting tariffs on steel IS putting tariffs on American-made firearms. We need steel to make guns.
1
It really doesn't get any better than this. By trying to isolate America, Trump is isolating himself.
29
If national security is the official reason for the tariff, one can argue that there are a number of industries including agriculture, aircraft, defense, technology, software, telecom, US public investments in infrastructure and roadway that have more important impact on national security than steel and aluminum industries. Should Congress demand that the President provide a coherent explanation why these two declining industries should have greater priorities over these other industries.
19
The evidence of collusion with Russia is undeniable. Every day Muller adds more reasons to believe. Whatever their hold on Trump, its unquestionable strong. What better way could you possibly find to maim our economy and torpedo our support system with countries like England, Germany, and the rest of the Nato nations. I would imagine this along with the damages they cause to our electoral
system will pretty much do us in. Just what the Ruskies want.
47
Hmmmmm. So Trump has fifteen days to act on following through with the tariff. I guess that means he doesn't have to proceed with his threat until after the March 13th special congressional election in Western Pennsylvania. Isn't it obvious to everyone that this is ploy to get the folks in the district to vote republican? I hope the voters in Steeler nation see through this scam and realize that as soon as the election is over, regardless of the results, the tariff will be withdrawn because other countries have caved in to Trump's demands and he has won again! Please stop! I can't take this winning anymore!
50
The Chinese don't play by any rules; it's about time we protect our industries.
4
China provides about 2% of US steel imports. These tariffs won't hurt China at all.
16
China dumps steel all over the world, then the 3rd party nations sell to us. So, to say that China sells us 2% steel is patently false.
1
It still isn't clear what 'emergency' or 'national interest' grants Trump tariff authority in this instance. Congress, even his own party, have advised against this action. Perhaps Congress will have to exercise their own constitutional authority to stop this foolishness:
"When the President exercises powers over trade delegated to him by Congress, his actions might be challenged in court. These challenges often involve both procedural matters and substantive issues related to the scope of the President’s authority under the Constitution and statute."
- from the Congressional Research Service:
https://fas.org/sgp/crs/misc/R44707.pdf
Trump wants a war, he knows wartime presidents get instant boosts in popularity and approval ratings. I suppose we should be a little thankful he's choosing a trade war - for now.
8
US probably will decrease its deficit much more if it closes all the dollar stores selling subsidized Chinese goods than just putting Teriffs on Steel and Aluminum to all around the world. Just target those countries only which exploit the trade benefits with US and also outline all items which contribute to our deficit.. Americans ought to know which foreign items dumped in the land need to be disregarded.
7
He will sign for Tariffs but NOT for banning assault weapons as he promised the poor students last month.
- Sad
46
Well, raising the price of steel will make assault weapons more expensive, so it's a step in the right direction...
1
Mr Trump is just a most persistent fraud and perpetual and brazen liar. How much more does he have to do to convince Americans. He is tired.
23
By the time he gets through with us, he's going to need that Mexican wall--to keep us in. And the Mexicans will pay for it--to keep us out.
48
Sad that Canada should face tariffs when the US has a surplus of 2 billion dollars
in sales of steel with good ally like Canada
29
It is surprising that the constitution gives power to the President to take serious decisions like increasing Teriffs without any participation of the elected members of the congress in particular when foreign policy matters are indirectly involved. Naturally there is a need to look over the constitution to correct such weaknesses. A country cannot be run properly without the participation of its people.
14
Right, except for tax give a ways and the institution known as the Federal Reserve.
Congress gave that power away to the executive branch a few years ago.
If he exempts certain countries, then the tariffs will be deeply undermined. Steel and aluminum will simply be diverted to the exempt countries and those countries will sell us their own steel and aluminum. Our prices will go up, but not by nearly as much as they would if the tariffs were universal.
Universal tariffs on steel and aluminum would deeply cripple our economy. Even Bush wasn't that stupid.
12
Essentially, then, the Constitution places the job of imposing tariffs on Congress. The president, however, may pre-empty that duty through Executive Order in the name of national security. And in this case, the claim of national security seems to be the purview of the Secretary of Labor who doesn't seem to have to prove his allegation.
The Secretary of Defense, who is actually an authority on these matters, has said, in fact, tariffs threaten national security.
Members of Congress who could legislatively take control and over-ride tariff imposition prefer to make noises and do nothing.
Everyone who opposes the executive action seems powerless.
Let's be clear. This isn't democracy in action; it's autocracy.
29
The trouble for us, our nation, and the world is we are all at the mercy of Trump's warped psychology and flawed decision-making that almost always have dreadful ramifications and consequences.
The ludicrous tariff decision is just another example of Tump's psychological regression to somewhere around age 4:
little understanding or intake of information from others because of egocentricism (seeing the world solely from one's own perspective);
engages in magical thinking (Reagan was accused of this also); and
an inability to anticipate the consequences of one's actions (because "I want to" is a good enough reason for Trump).
Actually, I think almost no real thought goes into Trump's decisions. He appears to resent and resist any information and arguments offered by others, and he doesn't really care how his decisions do harm. And when harm is done, he blames it on Obama or someone else.
All he really wants is to be in the spotlight and command everyone's attention. He will do anything to get it, and does.
I am truly baffled why Trump gets away with saying and doing things no one else every could, and why no one has yet been able to stop him from his addiction to destruction. This is really sick and sickening.
467
Quote: "I am truly baffled why Trump gets away with saying and doing things no one else every could, and why no one has yet been able to stop him from his addiction to destruction."
Simple explanation. the GOP is too cowardly to stand up to trump's low information and exceptionally stupid and self destructive base.
Solution: Vote Democratic in 2018 and vote for an intelligent and patriotic person for president in 2020 irrespective of the person's party affiliation.
3
One of the reasons Trump gets away with so much is because we have weak and ineffective leadership in our Democratic Congress. Their complacency, and unwillingness to speak boldly on issues, gives the Republicans the upper hand.
2
As insightful an analysis of Trump as I've ever read.
It will be interesting to see if Trump will bend to the will of his base or bend to the will of those who lack the spine to hold him accountable for everything else.
4
Trump ties - ex US employees
Ivanka clothing/shoes - Ex Us possible child slave labor
Mar a Lago - USB-1 employees
Trump tarrifs - a major farce
5
So Donald J Trump of the many failed marketing enterprises and bankruptcies, gets to make blunt impulsive unilateral decisions that affect the entire world?
573
Trump is now pulling back from his stunt which was calculated to deflect from Stormy and Mueller.
2
Yep.
He is POTUS.
I find it puzzling that no one is mentioning that since Trump seems to make stupid, impulsive moves daily, isn't it more than possible that Putin is making these decisions? Putting tariffs on steel and aluminum hurts the US. 150,000 jobs in those industries will be lost and we will pay more for imported products like cars. This fact plus the fact that we will be in a trade war with most of our allies, is exactly the type of chaos Putin wants to see. The destruction of democracy is his goal and Trump and the complicit Republican congress are giving him everything he wants. This treachery must stop!!!
I wonder if Goldman Sachs near monopoly on aluminium has anything to do with his hissy fit and quit routine.
8
well I just hope its surgical. If tariffs on US cars are higher in the EU than our tariffs on theirs then that's not fair. And its not fair the Canadian gov't protects their dairy industry from competition from our imports. But a "security" steel tariff against Canada??? Our closest ally?
5
Why isn't the congress doing its job instead of allowing this bellicose imbecile to rule by fiat?
36
Oh I hope we have a big signing ceremony in the rose garden, and then he can hold up his signature for all the world to see. Jeeez, I miss having adults in the White House.
9
Donald Trump thinks he can achieve leverage with independent nations by treating them like the contractors who built the buildings bearing Trump’s name-renegotiate the signed contract and refuse to pay any bills until the other side agrees to accept pennies on the dollars owed.
10
It is as if President Trump were taking orders directly from Mr. Putin in Russia. And, Trump acquiesces without questioning.
12
To my fellow wounded and insulted Canadians (and Mexicans, Brazilians, South Koreans, Europeans etc): ultimately this will blow over. These tariffs will be ruled illegal under GATT and/or WTO rules because, let’s be real, there’s no vaguely credible “national security threat”. That’ll pave the way for legal retaliatory measures by Canada, Europe, Mexico, Brazil et al. By then, the US, and Republicans specifically, will have learned how the other kids/allies in the schoolyard passively ostracize bullies, leaving them isolated, and there’ll be substantial pressure on Trump from within the saner parts of the Republican Party - if they haven’t jumped the Trump ship entirely already.
Trump will ultimately be forced to back down (while, remaining true to his inner narcissist, claiming victory).
Putin must be having a good laugh at all this chaos, between celebratory vodka shots.
18
There are quite a few Americans that should be added to your list of the "wounded and insulted".
The guy is an absolute moron, without a clue about how world economies work. I hope he is not just playing the card to increase GOP chances in the Pennsylvania primary. That would take some planning and thought and, therefore, unlikely. Even if it is, it is a completely reckless use of his influence.
15
It's all about the attention--global economic policy reduced to tawdry reality show.
3
Cui bono? Who benefits from worldwide draconian across the board tariffs on steel and aluminum? A few American companies and limited groups of our workers. China, advantaged in the great trade game by America's punitive tariffs which hardly touch China's products. And Trump, who will curry favor with a political base which is ignorant about the global economy.
Vlad the Poisoner, too. The Kremlin benefits every time we disregard the alliances which made us, until now, the leader of what was the Free World.
I would like to see selective, targeted tariffs on nations who have most dumped products below cost on the American market. But Trump's circular firing squad will harm us, politically and economically.
3
Only 25%?
“ A car or other motor vehicle imported to Germany from outside the EU is normally subject to a 10% import duty and a 19% import value added tax. (The value-added tax on imports is called import turnover tax (Einfuhrumsatzsteuer).”
3
That seems like a specious point. Germany has a 19% domestic VAT. If they didn't charge a 19% tax on imports, then domestic products would be disadvantaged relative to imports. We charge neither an sales tax nor a VAT on goods exported to Germany, so US goods and services aren't disadvantaged on that point. (Where products made in the US do accrue incidental sales taxes, that's more of a problem with a sales tax versus a VAT, not really Germany's fault for having a tax on imports.)
2
How are the Democrats going to clean up this economic mess? Every time the gop gets their hands on keys they start wrecking everything. trump deserves the Hoover prize for economic management.
10
Thank you Mr. President. As a union leader recently noted- “To those who say this will start a trade war, I say, we’ve been in a trade war. This is America’s first counterpunch after a decade of beatings.”
2
I thought America was all about freedom from being subject to a mad king. And yet here Trump is, singlehandedly dictating terms that affects everyone - against all recommendations and capitalist orthodoxy.
Has anyone checked that this isn't a case of insider trading? Maybe his family or partners invested in steel before the announcement, knowing full well what effect it would have on certain stock when a president threatens with tariffs?
I guess Trudeau has to hurry up and make reservations at Mar-a-lago, so Canada can get its exemption.
5
He might have a point, if they beat us in a trade war, who's going to pay those treasury notes?
1
Trump is probably thinking about the long game, golfer that he is.... Blow up the economy, make the argument for another 1.5 trillion in tax cuts for him and the wealthy. All kidding aside, the only rationale behind this decision can't be to shore up his base, rather he must be benefitting from it financially, the primary accomplishment of his Presidency being the many ways he has lined his pockets.
6
He really does not understand - many things... nor does he listen, or care. His backers though are solidly behind him.
That is what gives me pause.
To paraphrase a famous bible saying, there is a time to row and there is a time to weep. Paddle my brothers the rapids are ahead.
4
Trump announced in a Monday tweet, his reasons for the annoucing the Tariffs on Steel and Aluminum, is that he wanted to renegotiate NAFTA. Now Canada and Mexico might get exemptions? He is pandering to the Pennsylvania steel country to further the Republican candidate for the Pennsylvania special election next week.
However, there does exists a serious problem with trade deficits. Trump' s inept attempt to effectively deal with global trade, by slapping tariffs makes U.S. policies continue to be inconsistent and bullish. Let's have the Love Trump.
3
When does this all end? Does he even realize that so many other businesses will be hurt?
Please, Mueller, work faster.
13
Well, I'm looking at the bright side.
If the US economy goes south because of these tariffs (and make no mistake it will), then Trump and the GOP own it.
Trump will not be able to blame Hilary or Obama.
The loss of jobs, the stock market selloff and inflation will be pinned squarely on him and his GOP ilk.
13
On Thursday, the President plans to announce what he will do formally about the tariffs he imposed last Thursday--tariffs rattled off as an afterthought. Tomorrow President Trump will decide whether he will do as he said on Thursday last, double down and go even further (expressed outright and by implication in tweets and other public statements) that it is easy to win trade wars, follow his Commerce Secretary’s week end suggestion that weaseling out might be acceptable and hence retreat from last week's position, or wait 15 days after making a formal statement (and during that interval reverse himself or not) is open for conjecture.
This week, a number of MSNBC hosts read aloud from a copy of Fire and Fury as if author Michael Wolff were a contemporary equivalent of ancient Roman auguerers where sacrificed chicken entrails explained the future. I have come to regard Fire and Fury as a likely classic for the ages--comparing it to Spengler’s Decline of the West (also written by an author not then presumed to be expert). enough).
http://www.joelsolkoff.com/review-of-fire-and-fury-by-mich…/
http://www.joelsolkoff.com/full-text-decline-west-complete-edition/
2
Anybody else as burned out on hearing about what Trump does as I am? His signature is so big he may just as well use a can of spray paint as opposed to a pen when he signs anything.
5
Congress - impeach him over this. This is sheer lunacy.
5
In lieu of a military parade, he wants something to sign and then he can have a “win.” People will cheer, his ego will be stoked, he can claim “no chaos here,” and we can move on to the next round. Too bad that is not the definition of public service.
4
Incoherent...clueless...
contradictory...embarrassing. Yet the apologies for Trump’s presidency have remained equal parts obligatory and baseless.
1
It must take a stable genius to defy the experts and history.
The likely damage from these tariffs may serve to prove the trickle down theory with negative impacts to thousands of workers and businesses downstream from the mills not to mention consumers. So much for the “savings” from the new tax law.
3
Time to invoke the 25th ammendment, before he crushes our economy
6
Silver lining: y'all know how everybody's been so worked up about gun control lately? Well, do you know what's absolutely integral to guns and bullets? Steel! With steel tariffs jacked up a quarter, and the American steel industry a shadow of its former self, the price of guns and bullets should rise. Maybe enough to cause a drop in the shooting rates. Got to consider the up side, in these Trumpish days.
6
Congressmen, to get votes have been saying for years how unfair trade practices hurt the American worker. Now that President Trump is going to do something about it they put their tail between their legs and whine.
Republican congressman have been saying that. Their bluff has just been called.
We need steel independence for the approaching war. Don't you see? He's boosting military spending too.
Why is this not obvious?
1
Hang on, fellow liberals, let's not be too depressed about this. There are many good things that could come of these brainless tariffs.
This is an election year. So far, the GOP has entranced their base by giving them an extra $1.50 a week from their tax reform bill. But when these tariffs start to have an effect, the American economy is going to stagger, and that's going to more than eliminate any good feelings about the tax bill.
Let's face it, most democrats can take it. We don't tend to be ultra-rich, so stock market shakeups will not majorly affect us, in the long term. And we don't tend to work in manufacturing, so when factory jobs are cut because steel is cheaper when the factory is in Mexico, it won't hit us either.
But these changes will affect people who voted for Trump, and the only way they can learn from their mistake is to suffer directly from it. So let the suffering flow, and if we turn the tide in Congress this year and the White House in less than three years, someday this will all just be a bad memory.
13
Some perspective: 2-way EU-US trade totalled $1.1 trillion in 2016. The US war in Iraq cost $1.7 trillion + $490 bn in vet benefits.Yes, the US taxpayer gets ripped off royally, but not by French cheese and Italian pasta makers.
10
Signed the bill and let’s see how easy it is to win trade wars and show the world what a stable genius you are (not)! If it does not work, just blame the Cohn guy that just resigned and say he made you it.
3
Canadians don't get to vote here, so perhaps the only thing we can legitimately comment on are the tariffs themselves - they give the impression we're not good neighbours or allies, and that somehow we've done great harm to the US - laughable given our small size. But we do have a ton of water, energy and other desirable resources. China has long recognized this - just look at energy m&a - so will US "national security" really improve when China is our new best friend, camped out along the 49th parallel? I'm hoping someone wakes up down here - before irreparable harm gets done and one of the five eyes shuts tight.
5
And here we see the problem with having a president in the first place. Here we apparently have one guy deciding to impose worldwide tariffs on major industrial necessities, all by himself. Nobody else appears to be the author of this "plan", just this guy, and it's clear he has no idea what will happen next. He's not too sure why he's choosing these metals for tariffs, especially as he tended to buy steel from China himself. He has no idea how other nations might react, even though many of them have reacted badly (nobody's applauding it, not even Andorra which isn't affected at all).
So with no rational thought, apparently, this worldwide economic shakeup is going to happen because one particular guy feels like doing it.
This is a terrible way to run a country, really it has been ever since the monarchies that formed it, and we've got to come up with a more intelligent way of running government.
4
I know a trade war will be bad for the US economy and for bad for our trading partners. But the last Republican President got us into a real war in Iraq. So if a trade war is the worst fight Trump gets our country into I'm okay with it.
You might want to think about that. A trade war could destabilize much more than one region of the world and have a far more horrific body count when all is said and done.
I'm really glad that Trump the tyrant has identified the steel industry as a poster child for his erratic trade policies:
"In a sign of how Mr. Trump’s tariffs, once enacted, could affect a broader swath of the economy, the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland said in a report that steel producers reported raising prices, in part because of expectations about pending trade cases"
His supporters will love this, even though they could be laid off as a trade war surfaces.
And if Trump offers exceptions, his tariffs will be nearly meaningless, just like his wall with Mexico and his health care plan; and his continued neurotic harping on the Clinton campaign.
Trump, a man with six bankruptcies, thinks that bankruptcy is a norm in business relations. He's out to bankrupt the U.S. Trump is not smart at all; he doesn't understand the good economy that Barack Obama handed off to him, and that the risk in his administration is that it could crash under his tenure. He has no concept of stewardship.
Trump and Fox News, along with other Right Wing extremist loonies, have spun a fantastic tale of U.S. isolationism that games the perverse anger of an uneducated minority of the population.
The fate of our nation, and the world economy, hangs in balance. But we could always go through another economic crash, which would vindicate the crassness of Trump supporters. Then they'd just go back to their seething and not voting, the way they were before Trump and Fox News riled them all.
5
One of the basic rules for success in life is to know what you don’t know. A related rule is that you need to learn from your mistakes. It’s a matter of opinion as to which rule is more important (for me it has been learning from my mistakes). Unfortunately, it is pretty clear that Mr. Trump is either unaware of or doesn’t care about either rule—evidence of that fact is proffered every day, the latest being the idiotic tariffs. He knows little if anything about tariffs, and he won’t learn anything when the tariffs backfire. We need to get him out before he does long-term damage—if he hasn’t already.
82
Donald Trump’s motives are political, nothing more. Tariffs, immigration, and foreign affairs are just ways for him to”talk” to his base. Trying to analyze his actions as policies is fruitless. You are right, we need to get him out before he completely dismantles our democracy. Right now the minority is in control.
6
Yeah, right. I'll believe it after it's done and Donald J. Trump should not grant any exceptions. Otherwise, he's Fake Trump.
4
Umm... he is a Fake! Has been since day-1, where have you been?
8
So when am I going to see a statement from the companies that manage the Trump and Kushner brands that they will only use or sell American made products in their facilities? For buildings under construction, will they renegotiate the contracts to stipulate only American steel and aluminum? After all, Mr. Trump and Mr. Kushner have the best interests of the American worker in their hearts.
60
What real business acumen does one expect from a serial claimer of bankruptcy? Only he knows what’s best for America and our allies; no one else knows better than he. As Alfred E Newman would have said, what me (us) worry?!
17
It is unbelievable that once elected, the president is allowed to do whatever he feels like without any opposition.
A person with no dignity can change a country.
What kind of an example are you giving to the children when an "adult" has no respect for established institutions!
46
Our GOP Congress has abdicated their role in the checks and balances system and they are de facto enablers of this whole mess. Trump could not have done all this damage without them.
victim-bully - victim-bully - victim-bully -victim-bully - victim-bully. Same old m.o.
Yet another belly-flop to drown out fact and understanding.
6
President Trump's commitment to revive American manufacturing is commendable, but cannot be accomplished through this tax. The steel and aluminum tariffs announced byt the president are his second attempt — following "tax reform" — to improve the U.S. economy while being blocked from following through on his "build American infrastructure" platform which was key to his election victory. This attempt is likely to be no more successful. Neither the absence of corporate taxes nor the absence of some metals imports can match the initiation of new investments in the physical economy, new technologies, and new infrastructure platforms, thus growing real productivity and creation of millions of well-paying jobs.
13
There are two answers to this - addressing both the idiot who is our President and his GOP enablers in Congress. 2018, then...2020. That is all there is to think about. Get out the vote and VOTE - for a Democrat, for each and every office. Period.
140
Ha...funny thing...I was thinking the exact opposite. Period.
It is another ploy by Trump to destabilize the west. Tariffs cause economic hardship and from this chaos usually right wing populism will profit and give it more power to undermine our democracies.
40
Frightening thing is that even if Trump had the ability to understand these complex issues and even had a staff to present the pros and cons it would not change him. He's a "political Brawler" who cares about one thing, his winning. If he thinks anything has political capital for hime he will go for it like a fish for bait.
15
Will the trade war with America Allies diminish the national security
of the nation?
13
Fascinating how protecting domestic industry is such an alien concept to most Americans. But then the factories shut down and left for China long ago, and we're just supposed to push paper around and look at our iPhones (made in slave-labor Chinese factories). Sad.
4
What most people are saying is that such broad tariffs against our allies are going to destroy jobs and protect nothing, not that protecting our industries is wrong.
This would be too easy, just with one simplistic measure u recreate all those manufacturing jobs, at no consequences!
Could this be another con job?
This seems almost too good to be true, but I guess we are winning so many free lunches recently...
2
Fortunately these tarrifs are "a roynding error" for companies like Amazon, Apple, Google and Facebook, according to third party independent analysts. At least something is safe!
1
Time for Canada to go to Plan B Water, oil and gas, steel, minerals, lumber, all of it, now off the table as 'strategic' resources of the imploding neighbour to the south. Besides, when does the US ' EVER ' stand by our trade agreements? We are continuously fighting for our softwood lumber - because it's unfairly subsidized. Does the US trade reps ever entertain the thought that because of our universal social programs, our on costs are lower???? As for the current US president - the only way to negotiate with unstable narcissists is NOT TO. The United States is a nutty, violent country that treats the rest of the world like they own it - we are all sick of you. As for Trump -he's just the latest right wing nut you elected, the previous one went and started wars for profit, causing untold misery on the people of Iraq and the list goes on. Yes, I'm fed up, done - and believe me, this is not an uncommon conversation with my friends and neighbours. I love Canada, I love the way we try and include and build - we have many problems and we fall short of serving all our citizens - but we are inclusive - that's how we got here.
266
Right on!!
3
Terry, we need you down here. Great comment. Thanks.
3
Canada is the country the US once aspired to become. Barring the election of Obama, what has happened in the US since Reagan was elected is a tragedy and a shame of historical proportions.
10
What do you want to bet that one of the tariff if not the only exception is Russia.
24
bingo glenn...whether Russia is involved or not with this....they will come out ahead.
1
Commerce Secretary, Wilbur Ross, no slouch in developing successful financial strategies in the past that revitalized failing industries in the US, recommended these tariffs on national security grounds. Wilbur Ross has gravitas, and his proposals deserve a thoughtful response (not the shallow knee jerk "free trade or die" response they have been given thus far.)
2
Is he really that successful? My understanding is most of his reported wealth was a mistake by Forbes that he didn't want to correct.
4
He's found a number of businesses, and business connections, profitable.
https://www.theguardian.com/news/2017/nov/05/trump-commerce-secretary-wi...
"recommended these tariffs on national security grounds"
On national security grounds is the problem - that little-used provision that gives the occupant of the White House the power to neuter another branch of Government. This is supposed to be a democracy with three branches of Government not one supreme leader and acolytes. If financial strategies are the be ll and end all, democracy is indeed in its death throes.
Remember Chicken Little running around the township warning 'the sky is falling.'
Well....chicken is spot on.
Expect the worst unless someone is brave enough to remove vengeful Trump. Trumps no POTUS, hes America & the worlds nemesis.
Who is strong enough to remove this under-educated, dishonest, self absorbed, unhinged, vengeful pretender? Who will it be?
12
Great.
I was getting tired of winning anyway.
18
Is this a joke? Where are the checks and balances on this behavior? I never want to hear a conservative say they support business and free trade again after this.
24
Yet this will probably play well with President Trump’s “base,” that roughly one third of Americans who continue to think he walks on water. Of course, many of these people will be hurt by this move, but they’ve lost their ability to see that.
“But can’t they see how fake Trump is, and how he simply lies about so many things?” you might ask. Uh, no, and the reason has to do the Psychology 101 concept of cognitive dissonance, where to preserve your sanity you make yourself resolve conflicting ideas floating about in your brain. The NY Times can say these tariffs will hurt people like those in Trump's base. But even if this message somehow gets through to the base people they reconcile this by making their brains say, “Hey, he’s my guy, and he could never do something to hurt me—so we’re good!”
This base group won’t grow any bigger, and every time President Trump engages in these antics he further alienates the additional 15% of so of the population that formed the “swing vote” for him in 2016 so he could get elected. So he’s essentially unelectable in 2020. And, this tariff business is maybe his first big dramatic break with the mainstream Republican leaders where he has insisted on acting in such an in-your-face manner. But that leaves one question, which is how do we survive 34 more months of this, especially with this new tendency to do purely destructive things?
17
There's one great hope for our survival. Trump spends approximately a fourth or more of his days in office golfing. So while there's 34 months to go, Trump will only be doing stuff in about 25.5 of those months, and half of that time he tends to be in twitter wars with Alec Baldwin and so on.
“And there are potential carve-outs for Mexico and Canada based on national security and possibly other countries as well based on that process.”
So Canada is going to be excluded from the tariffs but not Canada even though Canada is the largest exporter of steel and aluminum to USA supplying $7.2 billion of aluminum and $4.3 billion of steel to the United States last year. Trump has often accused China of forcing U.S. steel and aluminum companies to fold by inundating the market with cheaper materials. How is this tariff on aluminum and steel going to punish China? This is ridiculous, moreover steel and aluminum represent only 2 percent of United States imports, these tariffs on steel and aluminum do not make sense other than creating trade wars.
2
The statute giving a President tariff authority in cases of "national security" has quite a few hoops that must be jumped through before a President can exercise that power. I wish journalists would investigate whether all the procedures were followed and required studies done -- or is this law just one more annoyance Trump chooses to ignore? See Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, set out at 19 U.S. Code sec. 1862.
63
The U.S. Constitution gives Congress the power to levy a tariff. Congress. Not the pretender in the WH.
43
You should re-read the article. And the US Constitution does not use the word "tariff" so you should probably re-read that as well.
1
Congress has been AWOL for a long time, especially the Republicans.
8
Thursday: The so-called president signs the tariffs into law.
Friday: Pick up your pink slip. Your services are no longer required.
8
Trump probably sees harmful tariffs -- like the harmfully unfilled staff positions -- as a way to make up for lost tax revenue.
Based on his record, Trump is all about creating long-term problems for others in order to produce short-term gains for himself.
Like any seasoned con-man. He's in and he's out.
This time, however, there's nowhere to run.
23
It would be a drop in the bucket. Not that he cares.but it would be a very regressive form of taxation hitting lower income and middle income Americans hardest. What Trump giveth to the bottom 90% of wage earners the Trump taketh away.
So, who in the Republican Party is going to tell the monstrous moron in the White House that 'strategic materials' is already written into the present trade and military agreements.
He has no clue what the hell he is doing or he would still be in TPP. Winners and losers, and Donald Trump has reduced the Republican brand to winners and lapdog. It will be a long long time before the world forgets how shamefully the Republican Party allowed such ignorance to prevail over common sense, without a shred of decency.
36
You are spot on...during the campaign, his trade gripe was China was ripping us off. So who benefitted from us exiting the TPP? Yup...China has jumped into the void, and now (with the aid of Russia) will own the Eastern Hemisphere. Wonder who is going to be the manufacturers of Donald's and Ivanka's garment business? Or, for that matter, supply materials and workers for the Trump Organizations future real estate edifices? Can't have your name in big gold letters just hanging in mid-air.
Trump: "Hmmm. How can I upend global trade, roil the stock market, upset allies, be the center of attention, and keep the Mueller thing off the front page? Trade war. Yes, let's do it. Maybe Thursday. Maybe not."
His ping pong policy pronouncements are causing the stock market and retirement accounts to fall and the President cares not a whit. The White House is a mess that Congressional Republicans and his cabinet can clean up. Or, we wait for the 2018 and 2020 and vote them out. But will it be too late?
19
IMO the stock market needs major upending.... so that it stops being such a game and frankly becomes less impt. Along with housing starts IMO not the best way to judge the economy... The GE debacle -- what was that about??? please explain..all smoke and mirrors?? liears galore.
He's rushing to get this signed (perhaps in Pennsylvania) before the special election there. After the election, he'll start talking about exceptions for our 'friends'. I don't claim that he had this planned out, but once he spewed the notion of tariffs, his political people realized this had some currency in the special election.
8
Except for the fact that most (if not all) GOP elected officials would probably prefer having bamboo shoots driven under their fingernails, a "New Deal" type infrastructure program which mandated using raw materials and products manufactured in the USA (e.g., coal and steel) would revitalize slumping industries, put hundreds of thousands of people to work in good paying jobs, improve national security (I prefer my bridges to be made with steel made at home) and avoid the outrage associated with the 25/10 tariffs Trump wishes to impose. It's a no brainer and a win-win-win.
5
Perhaps you do not realize that other countries like your friendly neighbour, Canada, buy a vast number of American-made products and many of these end up being part of infrastructure projects. Do you really want your country to lose its exports markets in order to satisfy your desire for homemade steel?
2
So when all is said and done, he could and should have followed Cohn's advice, because he will be left with full tariffs on China but exemptions for Canada, Mexico and the EU. Incredible. He makes this tough, sweeping announcement with the head's of the US steel companies and then back's right off it and loses his economic adviser in the process.
7
Too bad he couldn't sign Stormy Daniel's hush money contract.
Someone should tell him there's still time.
Putin must be loving this train wreck.
48
How about a week or even a day when you completely ignore the shenanigans emanating from the White House. Trump is a complete charlatan.
25
Of of course, the spineless sycophants in congress could pass a law.......
10
Levying tariff for everybody and then making exceptions for a few is the stupidest thing you could do. 1) it does not protect the steel industry since the exempted steels will take over the market and 2) it unfairly punishes those who export legal steels and yet are not exempted. So, what exactly is Trump trying to achieve? Probably just a show for his base in the rust belt.
16
Well, FINALLY! Something that Little Lord Trump-Twit's GOP court jesters aren't willing to endorse . . . (however, who knows what tomorrow may bring - if you don't believe it can't get any worse, then just ask Stormy Daniels and the Religious "Right" now known as the "Born Again" Christians ).
6
If you elect a clown, government becomes a circus. The thing is, this isn’t entertaining, it’s just horrifying. If Putin isn’t controlling him it is impossible to comprehend who is.
33
The circus has lots of different clowns, and not all of them are happy. Plenty of sad and scary clowns. Horribly, we just got the scariest of all sitting at the top.
1
Like any bully, our so-called President bullies only those who he perceives to be weak. Canada! What a massive threat our northern neighbor presents to the US. Yet no action on Russia and the mess they've made of our democracy. Instead, he'll make a mess of our economy. Sad!
13
It is amusing to listen to the daily Trump circus (and also sad).
But this is different. This is insulting to Canada.
A lot of damage has just been done by that idiot in the White House.
Most of us are not going to forget this.
30
And that's a big mistake. The last things Canadians are is WEAK - we are ANGRY at the US - this one will not go away
18
So once again the lazy dog congress rolls over and plays dead. How predictable.
17
Please don't compare Congress to the dogs of the USA. It is an insult to the dogs!
My pooch does lie down and roll over but only of her own accord and not at anyone's bidding, at least not mine.
Not at all the same as Congress says she!
2
This is how narcissistic dictators act. They act out rashly, capriciously, impulsively..... and always with one of the goals being with an eye toward self-aggrandizement. They look to demand their targets grovel before the throne, to beseech the emperor to recant his punishments.
Any such capitulation to dictators only brings more demand. As Churchill noted, "The definition of appeasement is feeding the alligator in the hope it eats you last" and such is what is being presented here.
I suggest the rest of the world adopt the American posture during the Barbary pirate era: "Millions for defense but not one cent for tribute."
Tell Trump to take a hike!
18
Anyone else think this is a head fake designed to take attention off the Mueller investigation? Anyone? Bueller?
14
The guy who filed bankruptcy 6 times doesn't listen to his chief economic advisor. No surprise there.
130
It should be noted that Richard Branson of Virgin said recently that none of his businesses have ever filed for bankruptcy. Rather, when one of Virgin's businesses proves to have been a bad idea, they settle their debts, provide a severance package to employees and move on. Imagine that, a businessman who settles his obligations and doesn't stick the little guy with his bad decisions. If only Trump's supporters recognized the lack of morality Trump represents.
1
Someone needs to dig out the comment Trump (I don't refer to him as President he got 3 million less votes) made during the campaign when he admitted he built his hotels out of Chinese steel. Then it was because it was cheaper and he had shareholders. The man is stupid and loves to hear and see nations, people come to him and beg the Little tinpot dictator. Funny he never mentions the great stock market anymore and the economy not just the US, but this world wide expansion will be destroyed. Not only does he not care he has no idea of economics. He has made all his money by being bankrupt and stiffing creditors. I love the big business man if I hear that nonsense one more time the Trump Hotel in Soho gone, the Trump Tower in Toronto gone, the Trump Hotel in Panama gone the list of bankrupt companies is endless and yes, hopefully Mueller is into the money as the only lenders since the 90's were Russian criminals. He is a money launderer. Canadians are nice people, but up here the 90% have had enough of him and his threats. This a nation of reasonable people who made history in WW I at places like Vimy Ridge, WWII and have always assisted the US. Canadians hid and got out American embassy staff in the Iran embassy. By the way for Mr. Bright the US has a trade surplus with Canada and we import more US steel than export. Nations need to target products made in the red states of his base and see how they enjoy the unemployment lines, Obama's fault I would guess. Jim Trautman
36
The United States had a total trade surplus of $7.7 billion with Canada in 2016, and a surplus of $4.4 billion through the third quarter of 2017.
13
A guy from Canada checking-in. O.K. (Trump's) America, no more imports of oranges from California or Florida. No more bringing in Kentucky bourbon or Coors-light to Canada and, while we are at it - hello Ford Motors and GM. We "might" have to do something about your products here. Looks like job loses, all around, in both countries! Thanks Russia for helping make this guy (Trump) President of the U.S. That was a very smooth move by you guys. No wonder The Donald isn't interested in "your meddling" in the upcoming U.S. Midterm Elections.
45
How about water tables? How about oil and gas? How about strategic minerals? I'm tired of making excuses for my American neighbours that are just plain uninformed, uneducated and plainly selfish in their approach to community building - I watched Trump rallies during the election and was aghast by just how scary these people were - American fascism at its best
16
Soon there won't be any oranges or other citrus coming from Florida because the "greening disease" is killing the trees. And with all the growth in population, the water is being drawn out and the land is sinking. Two more houses yesterday in the Villages.
It goes without saying that Trump is doing this to show that what he says, goes.
Bully mentality rules the country.
8
How could he sign a plan that no department has researched or given factual input on. This is so irresponsible. That isn't a strong enough word. Insane?
20
Let me guess the exemptions.
According to the Wood Mackenzie numbers, as researched by CNN, Canada exports $5.3B in steel to the US annually; South Korea, $3.11B; Mexico, $2.97B; Brazil, $2.57B and, China $1.96B. The administration will consider the first three its friends and China a foe. A trade war with China might not be good for our markets.
Additionally, my educated guess is that the EU will not pass the friendship test either, independently of being the second biggest producer of steel. Not good consequences either.
Let us wait to see how the stock market reacts to this and wait to see who will take Cohn's job. Maybe pardon Madoff? He would love it. He would feel home.
13
Trump will do anything and everything to keep the focus off of Mr. Mueller's investigation.
12
And when the economy goes south Trump will blame others, and his well-informed supporters will believe him...
11
40 million American jobs depend on trade. Enough said.
7
Our foreign minister here in Australia has said today that the Australian government has 'no expectation' of any concessions to our country by the United States on these tariffs.
Says a lot when one of your closest allies has absolutely no confidence in your ability or desire to do right by your friends.
18
Fine. He owns it. All of it...from the tax rewards for the wealthy bill, to these tariffs. All his.
Of course he wont admit it...but its all his now. As the results will prove. Not Obama, or HRC, or anyone else he blames...all Trump now.
11
Almost 350,000 jobs in Mississippi depend on exports. Plus the farmers. Agriculture usually gets hit hard in a trade war. With two Senate seats up this year in the State, Trump is making Ds think about pulling off an Alabama for a pickup. We live and hope.
18
Commentators like to point out that Trump's trade policy represents a bona fide belief as he has held protectionist beliefs for decades. There is another pathological mind set that Trump has exhibited for decades.
Everything wrong is someone else's fault. Our trade deficit is caused by unfair trade practices perpetrated by trading partners who are taking advantage of the US. Profligate US government and individual spending and borrowing and hunger for cheap foreign goods could not be a reason. The drug addiction problem infecting millions of our citizens is Mexico's fault, not the American craving for addictive drugs. And of course, his business failures did not result from his inept negotiating skills, over borrowing or scammy deals, but are due to recessions or failed business partners. As project after project fails, he offers the same excuse: I only lent my name to someone else's project.
Trump's inability to analyze problems introspectively and to constantly scapegoat failures inevitably compounds the problem . The ill considered tariffs fall in this Trumpian category.
8
The demagogue at work. He knows the legit issue he demagogued, ie blue collar jobs going to slave labor countries is a non starter for him since he would have to bring back his and Ivanka slave labor factories in India and he would never do that.
That leaves the issue at hand. By and large without the possible exception of China it is not a legit issue. Most of the countries involved are legit non slave labor countries and have fair trade practices.
However, he is desperate. There is a special congressional election coming soon in western blue collar Pa.., that he won by 20 pts. The race is neck and neck and the dems have a legit chance of winning it. He will push this bogus tariff issue until he sees what happens and then will continue to be a demagogue.
History has seen countless demagogues like Trump from the first recorded one Alcibedes in Ancient Greece to one of the last ones Chazez in Venz.
All of them usually have helped ruin their countries and they usually end up on the trash heap of history.
10
I wonder who's steel Trump has used for his towers, bet it was not from the USA. We know he uses immigration labor on many of his properties. Interesting how this man's mind works, what's been good for him is apparently not good for the rest of us. Looks like tomorrow with the swipe of his pen, he will not listen to those who do know more about such things, I guess like he has told us, he is the smartest one in the room.
5
Trump: I love conflict. Finally one truth amid the lies.
We may not have to wait for a Democrat Congress to initiate his removal, if the Republicans can get angry enough about protectionist danger. A trade War. More diversionary tactics. I predict Mueller will release more damaging indictments in the next few news cycles.
8
This is clearly just theater. Trump will exempt our allies, who also happen to be our biggest supplies of steel and aluminum. Bottom line, little benefit to the steel and aluminum industries. Trump gets to fulfill an election promise for his base. No one will hold him responsible for his original statement that there would be no exemptions, instead he will be praised for being 'reasonable'. Congress COULD take back the power they granted the president to impose tariffs for national security reasons... but they won't.
5
Theatre now has gone dark. Canadians are ready for a new deal with the States on many, many commodities and products - The US is a trade bully and always has been. NAFTA at least was a way for the future - a way to work into the pan- North American economy as a developing entity, complete with balanced dispute resolution. Obviously, this is not the political will of the US anymore and in some camps, never was. Time for Canada to work as hard as we can to secure more cooperative trading partners.
11
and round and round we go on the Trump Merry-go-round.
Global investment and trade flows have been producing many positives to many players. However, when one looks at so many and big asymmetries that have developed over the years in the quality of those relationship, especially with regard to what PRC has championed in the areas of state intervention, IP free lunch or worse, joint venture regulations, etc. one would think the whole thing is simply staying in a metastable state with big further negatives deemed to develop tomorrow. The system needs a big jolt for it to move to a better metastable state by closing loopholes in IP protection, including the governance of mass data, incorporating serious correction with regard to asymmetric investment regulation, etc. As WTO would evolve only the impossible global negotiations, the options available to the US are either through refined club movements in the style of TPP(11 or 12) or taking unilateral actions that by necessity look brutal and destructive. To argue that any violent kick to the global investment/trade relationship is an attempt to kill a functioning beneficial system is either underinformed or a manifestation being a prisoner of old textbooks that fail to recognise the presence of a dinosaur who has grown by exploiting loopholes systematically and expressing the intent of doing so even more systematically today and tomorrow. Trump must try waters. No action is does not open any new doors.
1
THIS is just one of the things that happens with an unqualified, incompetent, Reality TV, Presidential Apprentice. A unnecessary, stupid stunt built upon on stupid, unrealistic campaign promise. One that can, and probably will, snowball into a disaster. And no one has the ability to STOP this maneuver, or the courage and honor to even try.
November, throw the Bums OUT. GOP/NRA Party: YOU own HIM.
150
I'll believe Trump cares about the trade imbalance when he and his daughter quit having their apparel made in China and other far eastern countries. How about having your MAGA hats made in the US?
176
Their employees work to fill an unrealistic quota before they can get paid. The women who work for Ivanka, for instance, don't really get to go home if they want to be paid they have to fill that quota, which takes all day and most of the night. No wonder they're white supremacists. They are still profiting off slavery except it's located in China these days.
10
Trump saying that "our leaders are so stupid" was right (about himself.) One of the few true things he's said since taking office.
15
Trump is a petulant;arrogant child/bully who enjoys hurting other people. Tariffs mean trade wars;higher prices;job loss. Trump does not care because he has no empathy for people; he only cares about himself. Ray Sipe; Florida voter P.S. We had a visit from Betsey DeVoss today; I wish there was a tariff on her;Trump and his people are the most corrupt bunch you could possibly find
38
He is the very definition of BULLY and he does not want to be President, he wants to be the King. Thank goodness we have Special Counsel, Robert Mueller because look at what happened to House and Intelligence Committee investigations, both going nowhere when witnesses say that Trump told them not to answer questions. What?? What happened to Supeona and put in jail for contempt of Congress?
1
He’s got one eye on the Nov 13 election in W. Pa and perhaps another on the unremitting Mueller probe. Note that none of this has been done with any legal preparation and they seem to be making it up as they go along. In the process, he’s lost Gary Cohn. I may be biased, but the case against Canada, which has a trade deficit with the US, looks like a nonstarter, especially on the basis of national security. This is typical Trump theater, designed to make him feel powerful and to fire up all those white men with no college degrees, He will probably back down on Canada and Mexico but claim victory on the appalling NAFTA deal. Sheesh
22
Glad to know my own country is looking to target retaliatory measures against US states that voted for Trump. Hopefully the pain they feel will hasten the removal of Trump and gain the Democrats at least Congress so they can end the idiocy emanating from the Trump government.
42
Here comes the part where a Republican President wrecks the economy...
174
The president only has this power if there is a showing that it is necessary for national security. Since we have security treaties with most of our allies which would be affected, that will not pass muster. If he wants to punish China, that will not work either. They will produce for the rest of the world and it will keep the price of steel and aluminum down. Our businesses will not be able to compete if they have to buy higher priced metals from domestic mills.
Trump and his rogue economist, Peter Navarro and the shrunken-headed Wilbur Ross are determined to roil the global markets and ruin things for everybody. Steel workers may have a moment in the sun, but it will fade fast. Let's hope the entire Trump Crime Family is indicted soon.
36
I'm curious with respect to tariffs which entity it is (if any) he has to justify national security? Do you know if the courts can block this move as they've blocked so many so far, e.g., Muslim ban etc.?
2
So Trump's priorities are to continue alienating allies. There is nothing national security related about these tariffs. China may be the ultimate target, but U.S. businesses and those of our allies would be the main victims, as well as the economy itself. The metal tariffs with their 19th century character go against all economic advice except that of Trump's nationalists. His support of white nationalism is on the record.
Where are the Russian sanctions? Congress voted almost unanimously to impose them, and Trump sides with the poisoner Putin over the United States, the country whose Constitution he took an oath to defend.
What are Trump's taxes? That seems to be the original sin here. Something financial or something so sordid that Putin can blackmail him with it are the only things that can explain Trump ignoring Russia's continuing cyberattack on this country.
Republicans once again seem to be trying to placate a toddler or humor a lunatic who is waving a gun around.
Congress needs to do its job as check and balance for an irrational executive branch.
1) Pass laws that block this.
2_ Pass a law to protect the Dreamers.
3) Pass gun safety laws.
4) Establish an independent commission to protect our elections and enact legislature to do so.
The GOP Congress is MIA, and the president is mentally unstable.
21
Again the GOP is letting the "unstable genius" act out his fantasy of being president of the United States of America.
The biggest problem with this fantasy is that it has real life consequences and the GOP apparently doesn't care.
24
"in all fairness to Trump..[he] is fulfilling a campaign promise"....as someone below said.
Accurate. Next time hopefully people will consider the collateral damage to receiving their desires. GOP hopefully learns a lesson. Sorry strike that. Learning is alien to them.
On the other hand, I dont think tariffs would be as disastrous as everyone is predicting...we dont import much of steel from China (China hardly exports more 10% of what they make)...so, this is not a hit on china....it is a posturing.
3
On the bright side, Trump is about to give our democratic allies a perfect tool to clobber particular congressional districts with selective retaliatory tariffs. Way to go Trump you just shot yourself in the foot!
I'd be cheering if it weren't for the pain he is going to cause to American families after they loose their jobs and eat their hard fought savings.
14
It's the Apprentice show in the White House. What a debasement of the office.
8
Is trade wars a way to cover up Mueller's investigations?
6
Watching Trump give his speech to Hispanic business owners this morning was disturbing... He is noticeably deteriorating physically and mentally... If you watch film from the 2016 debates, and then watch this morning's speech... You can't help but notice that he looks remarkably different - older, more beaten up, lower energy, less lucidity... The daily pressure is taking its toll.
At what point will this derelict Republican Congress do their sworn duty? Why are they waiting for an absolute disaster? Are their phony careers more important than their country? Their planet?
I hope we make it to November.
22
Why is Trump targeting only European countries. Every time he tweets it is to attack some European country that is close to US. It is almost like doing Putin's job by breaking our partnership with our friends. He is harsh with Germany, UK and NATO but he talks glowingly about China and Russia.
15
I live in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario Canada, just across the St. Mary's River from Michigan. It is the home of Algoma Steel, provider of the steel armour to the US armed forces that were used in US Humvee's in your ongoing wars in the Middle East, and which was formally recognized by the Pentagon as a major factor in saving US lives. Algoma Steel is critical to the local economy. I'm very angry at our southern "neighbours"
26
Please bear in mind that most of us voted *against* this monstrosity!
Trump has no concept of the kind of reckless damage he could be wreaking on the country...while I think there should be some tax advantages for companies who manufacture or invest in new manufacturing here, imposing tariffs with a broad brush without working out the ramifications of such an act done without warning, or legal vetting is just asking for economic pain. His campaign promises were reckless, his administration of his promises are even more so.
2
Signed tomorrow, and once the Pennsylvania election is done next week, after all political capital squeezed out of this ploy, it will be rescinded after some persuasion...
4
Since Congress delegated this power to the President, why don't they pass new legislation taking back their power and thereby having those who were elected to legislate actually do so?
8
Our Federal Courts must block this, as there is no national security reason, as Trump stated, for this tariff.
Mr. President, you are excluding the American people from the decision making process and that is not acceptable in a democracy.
You are insulated from the consequences of this tariff policy but you aren't insulated from the repercussions of lying to us about national security threats just so you can invoke executive powers.
8
In addition to being criminally wasteful, we should be looking forward to new smart industries that don't consume millions of kilowatts of electricity (Canadian Hydro is why they can afford to sell aluminum to the world). Spend a small fraction the 1.5 trillion giveaway to the 1 percent on R & D and basic research. That would be smart. This is punishing the wrong people in the wrong industries for a problem we don't really have. If you want to worry about Chinese evil doers, go after their theft of intellectual property. They have no real banking system or legal system so there's never going to be recourse other than waiting for them to disintegrate from within. Might take a generation or so. But it'll happen. Autocrats always self-destruct. Wish someone would teach that piece of wisdom to the Drumf.
6
Of course, America is free to do what it wants. Just don’t think it is cost free.
9
I doubt the problem of trade deficits will be solved by randomly taxing the raw materials we use to make products here. The problem is the things we do not make here any longer and import from countries like China which contributes much more to our trade deficit and job loss.
3
Should the tariffs take effect, the economic hit to Canada is expected to be $3.2 billion. China, ostensibly the target in all this, would be expected to lose only $689 million. This from the Peterson Institute for International Economics, as reported by the Canadian media.
Serious question - I appreciate that any impeachment steps led by Republicans early in the presidency would have had the appearance of a palace coup and undermined the legitimacy of any replacement, presumably Pence.
But now we have a track record of erratic behavior and over a year has passed. What exactly is the impediment to the Republican party drumming up some grounds to impeach and installing their choice? Not that I prefer Pence by any stretch, but when Trump hits at things Republicans value - free trade - what is stopping them from doing this?
4
it would help we had a president who read, who listened, who respected the advice of professionals. Unfortunately, we do not. Trump makes one nutty judgement after another, based upon his "intuition", which is to say baseless. Tariffs and international trade are just one example. Somehow we will survive his presidency, hopefully limited to one term, perhaps less if the voters and congress act before 2021.
3
Trump is doing exactly what he said he would do during the campaign, right or wrong.
The problem is, the majority of the country did not vote for this.
Brilliant plan, Mr. President!
Exempt some countries from a huge tariff and they will simply displace the countries that are still subject to the tariff. In other words, no tariff benefit to the steel industry, just some shifting around,
It is becoming clear that this is simply another hostage situation like DACA. Sorry, steel industry, you were fooled again, just like Charlie Brown! Good grief!
7
On the one hand, in all fairness to Trump, a lightning rod of a figure if ever there was one, he is fulfilling a campaign promise. On the other hand, I am convinced he has not the slightest interest in what the actual ramifications are of this tariff action, and actually couldn't care less. I am left to wonder if he and his fellow Wharton business school classmates ever studied the impact of tariffs and trade wars, and if so, whether he was asleep at the classroom lecture wheel.
13
Definitely asleep.
2
He was too busy avoiding STDs.
5
American tariffs may stop American companies from buying Chinese steel but it won't stop French and Italian and Indian and South African companies from doing that. Rather than trying to get market share by raising the price of foreign steel, America should beat the Chinese at their own game: subsidize American steel, and other industries, to make them competitive, while at the same time supporting green initiatives. In fact, it is Irrational anti-socialist mania that is keeping America from being great again. Protect the environment, not steel prices. Play the subsidizing game better than China.
10
Right on, Bill. Subsidies may be a kind of socialism (heaven forbid) but they'd be ideal for encouraging use of recycled metals, especially with all the dead electronics we send abroad to the Far East for them to mine for rare earths.
Wasn't the World Trade Center built using imported steel--from Korea, if memory serves? I wonder why that was? Could it be that domestically-manufactured steel was simply too expensive? The expense is what dissuaded potential users of American-manufactured steel from using it. Thousands lost their jobs in the steel industry and that will happen this time too. Is this where we want to end up again? Of course, to be aware of this would require Trump and the Republicans to have a sense of history. And that ain't gonna happen!
7
What is "the statute that gives Mr. Trump authority to impose the measure"? The Constitution reserves tariffs to Congress.
5
Actually, Trump can invoke the "Trading with the Enemy Act of 1917" to impose tariffs on any nation he wants. Under the law, the president can restrict all types of trade "during time of war." That definition is very loose. America doesn't have to be at war with a particular nation, it just has to be "at war" somewhere in the world in order to apply tariffs against other countries. The existence of U.S. special forces in Syria and Libya is enough to meet that requirement for Trump to hit countries such as China and Mexico with tariffs.
Nixon used this law in 1971 act to impose a 10% import tariff (not directed at any particular nation) citing the Korean War, which had ended nearly two decades prior. Technically, America was still in a state of emergency which had not lifted.
They are claiming it is a national security situation so that he doesn't need approval. Don't ask me how that makes sense, but that's what they are proposing.
This would be Section 232, but Trump and his advisers are ignoring the fact that when he is declaring a national security emergency, he hasn't gone through the channels that require the Secretary of Defense to agree. The Mattis letter on this recommended only targeted tariffs instead of a global tariff. The letter also said the military need only 3% of national production of steel and aluminum and would not be affected. It was concerned about the impact on allies, and recommended an interagency approach.
None of these measured responses are part of these impulsive and destructive tariffs. The potential danger is that Trump will think he can unilaterally declare war, end laws, and basically become a dictator.
4
Unless you do not believe the vast majority of experts in economics around the world, things are about to get a lot worse for American workers after the reality of trade wars sets in among the Americans who work for the raw steel and aluminum industries.
How bad does it have to get before Republicans wake up?
20
Yeah, a two week "input" period.
Just long enough to get us past the special congressional election in Pennsylvania where Conor Lamb, a Democrat, is ahead in a district that Trump won by over 20 points.
Rather than be embarrassed by a rebuke of his base, Trump panders and hopes to gin up "steel country" support.
The two week period is a ruse (from a fraud) so that the "policy" can slowly, imperceptibly go away conveniently after the election.
Hey, in two weeks Trump will have myraid new distractions for us and we'll say, "tariffs, what tariffs?"
17
This truly is becoming the theater of the absurd. The self proclaimed genius that occupies the oval office is going to start a global trade war while our economy is steadily digging itself out of a huge hole which occurred in 2008. To what end? Despite being told this is a bad-bad idea by those who really do understand the global economy. Fasten your seat belts.....we are going to experience a bit of turbulence.
11
As usual, Trump implementation of the tariffs will follow the same procedure...
FIRE! READY. AIM.
18
Typical Trump. Maybe tomorrow, maybe next week. Nothing is thought through and now we have Navarro who hasn't a clue. Look, we run a trade surplus with Canada. Mexico is a developing economy with more of their nationals returning home than emigrating here.
For once, just once, for the good of the country it would be nice to see the Republican leadership of the Congress stand up, speak out and prevent this type of garbage from happening. Will they? Don't count on it.
23
A rogue "president" run completely amok!
What happened to the quaint idea of democracy? You know, the idea that the president governs with the advice and consent of Congress! This is the way things work in anti-democratic despotisms run by characters like Trump's pal, Vladie.
The danger of Trump to the nation and the world becomes more and more apparent!
How about barring him from ANY actions until Mueller's investigation (and others) are done? (The way it was effectively done by Congress and the government when Nixon was going off the rails.)
Then this dangerous demagogue and despot wannabe can be given the boot--right into the smelliest part of the dustbin of history!
And hopefully, into prison where he truly belongs! High crimes and misdemeanors...
16
Off topic, I guess, but what is Jared Kushner doing in Mexico and how is he in a position to discuss anything on U.S. behalf without security clearance? Just asking.
55
Maybe he's planning to stay there.
Another effort to distract from the Russia investigation. Go, Mueller!
12
Oh, how I miss the good old days when we only had Osama bin Laden trying to debase confidence in American institutions of commerce and governance and tank our economy!
It's tinfoil hat time at the White House. That means 25th Amendment or bust, bust being the more likely outcome.
7
Is Stormy the real reason for Trump's trade war deflection?
7
What nonsense. Trump has taken a page from the playbook of another failed President, George W. Bush, who, in 2002, similarly announced tariffs on steel. His main concern -- one might say his primary concern -- was with the mid-term elections later in that year. The steel mills were all in states that had close elections in 2000, and he was hoping to shore up his Republican friends. It worked for him. Of course, the WTO sued the U.S. for a record $2 billion, so we removed the tariffs. Dubya had made his point, kept his friends in power, and strengthened the Populist wing of the G.O.P. which we see in power today. Trump wants to pull a similar triumph -- and we are so stupid that it will probably work.
6
Trumps steel tariffs attempt to protect an industry that has consistently failed to invest in the latest steel making technology. Back in the 1950s, when America dominated global steel production in the post-WWII world, US steel companies failed to invest in the new basic oxygen process that converts 400 tons of iron to steel in 40 minutes compared to 10 to 12 hours by the traditional open hearth method.
The US steel industry also fell behind on the next technological advance, the electric arc process. The resulting efficiency disadvantage means that countries like Canada with similar labor costs can import to the US at lower prices. Catch up modernization of the US steel industry is the reason steel employment has dropped so dramatically.
Trump talks about China all of the time but they don't make the top 10 in steel imports to the US. But Canada and Mexico together represent 25% of all steel imports to the US. The steel tariff risks blowing up NAFTA, as Canada and Mexico have already been preparing for this possibility.
Canada has become part of the TPP, which should easily displace lost exports to the US. Mexico already is part of the largest automotive free trade zone in the world. Both can replace a significant part of the $500 billion in industrial and agricultural imports from the US, which would be very damaging in the Rust Belt and Farm States, as they are likely to find out.
10
What more input does this person need.
His own military advisors have told him this idea is a bad one over and over again.
5
The tariffs are a problem, but what continually worries me is the threatening stance towards other peoples of this president. Canada? Mexico? Europe? China? When the terrifying and self-defeating threatening stop?
5
Two weeks? By that time the election in Pennsylvania will be over. Coincidence?
21
No, no coincidence. And I love how the two weeks is for 'input' from other countries and people; again, he's getting folks to dance to his tune and then he does whatever he wants. This is just another show of bluster to emphasis what a big man he (thinks he) is.
8
Trump has put himself back in the drivers seat. - Let the extortion begin!
Hint: This is just a glimpse of the hostage taking Trump will resort to more and more as the walls close in.
"You'll never impeach me! I've got my base! And, if I ask them to, they'll resort to Second Amendment remedies for anyone who tries to remove me from office! So, let's start talking Golden Parachute shall we? Shall we start the bidding at one billion dollars?" - Just wait.
5
Trump,s tariff plan is bad for this country and all working people. Even his economic adviser, Mr. Cohn is resigning because he is against this plan.
Even though the GOP controlled house and senate do not support the tariff war proposed by Trump, they refuse to take action because they are afraid of his lying, shaming, bullying, vengeful, aggressive behavior towards anyone disagreeing with him.
Remember at the mid term elections that all of these republicans chose to protect themselves rather than you.
2
Interesting how a man who complained about Obama's executive orders is basing his ruling ways on them, worse so when he does not have the support of his own party.
8
Can anybody remind me what was happening to Rome when Nero was fiddling?
4