Donald Trump went against the advice of some of his top advisers (Gary Cohn among them) and instituted tariffs on steel and aluminum this afternoon at the White House in a ceremony that included steelworkers complete with hard hats. We thought this was about the economy but before signing the papers today Trump said, “Today I’m defending America’s national security by placing tariffs on foreign imports of steel and aluminum.”
Trump has argued that tariffs are vital to national security. But leading nat sec Senate Republicans have argued the exact opposite — they wrote a letter to Trump warning of nat sec implications https://t.co/GDAfZTr8wH
— Ali Rogin (@AliRogin) March 8, 2018
NEW: Pres. Trump signs proclamation on steel and aluminum tariffs, defying critics from his own party. "About time, right?" he asks. https://t.co/5RNIriu4fR pic.twitter.com/RwtQDMF9gk
— ABC News (@ABC) March 8, 2018
While Trump excluded Canada and Mexico from the tariffs (and says he may exempt other countries down the road), our biggest ally, the United Kingdom, is still on the list. That doesn’t really play into Trump’s argument that he is doing this for national security reasons. As for our allies in Europe, they are ready to retaliate.
https://twitter.com/ukbizz/status/971678124160241664
Trump signs plan to impose stiff tariffs on steel and aluminum, while excluding Canada and Mexico and leaving the door open to sparing other countries https://t.co/iZWuYhWER3 pic.twitter.com/pOFuRPvTdW
— Bloomberg (@business) March 8, 2018
Many in the media, politicians and Trump supporters are quick to point out what a bad idea this is and one Trump doesn’t seem to have fully researched or thought out.
I will immediately draft and introduce legislation to nullify these tariffs, and I urge my colleagues to pass it before this exercise in protectionism inflicts any more damage on the economy. https://t.co/Js9TNzPRBc
— Jeff Flake (@JeffFlake) March 8, 2018
Trump offers no real national security reasons for tariffs although that is the basis of his authority. He offered conclusory statements not facts. He has no facts. I wonder how long it will take to draft and file the lawsuit stopping him? Blowback is coming. Count on it.
— John W. Dean (@JohnWDean) March 8, 2018
As President Trump signs steel tariffs, one word not mentioned: Automation. That, of course, is one of the biggest reasons for the reduction in US steelworker jobs. In 1980, it took 10 hours to make the same amount of steel it now takes 2 hours to make, industry says.
— Jeff Zeleny (@jeffzeleny) March 8, 2018
Billionaire conservative megadonor Charles Koch slammed President Donald Trump’s announced plans to impose fresh tariffs on steel and aluminum imports https://t.co/jkdBjAbDyZ pic.twitter.com/9U9nnGOLnl
— POLITICO (@politico) March 8, 2018