Trump’s Tariffs Were Illegal—and Harmful
An appellate court has ruled that most of Donald Trump’s tariffs were unlawfully imposed. This confirms what many warned: his trade wars were more about politics than policy.Trump claimed tariffs would revive U.S. manufacturing and punish foreign competitors. Instead, they acted as a hidden tax on American families, driving up prices on basic goods. Farmers suffered the most, as retaliatory tariffs gutted exports, forcing taxpayers to fund costly bailouts.
The court’s decision also raises a deeper concern: a president who bypasses legal procedures to push his agenda undermines both our economy and our democracy.
Real economic strength cannot be built on impulsive trade wars or unlawful actions. It comes from sound policy, fair trade, and respect for the rule of law.
