Trump Doubles Down on Using Tariffs as Tool of Power

“President Trump’s threat for a 50% tariff on Brazilian imports expanded his use of punitive duties over matters that have nothing to do with trade, breaking with more than a half-century of global economic precedent,” the Wall Street Journal reports.

“Trump cited the trial of the president’s close political ally, former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, as the rationale for new tariffs set to take effect Aug. 1 on imports from the largest economy in Latin America.”

“It is one of the latest—and perhaps most brazen—examples of Trump using tariffs as a cudgel for political priorities outside of trade.”