Trump Tariffs overturned (and RGF helped)

In term two President Trump has taken on myriad issues that seem to undermine efforts to grow the US economy and reduce the cost of living for Americans. And, while the pro-energy aspect of Trump’s agenda has been helpful, his tariffs are not only NOT helpful, but his scattershot and nearly random approach has been detrimental. Perhaps more importantly, whatever you believe about tariffs as a policy, we at the Rio Grande Foundation have held that they (and other taxes) should be enacted by Congress, not just the president. This is true whether the administration in power is a Republican or Democrat.

We feel so strongly about the importance of following the US Constitution that we filed as an amicus (friend of the court) to defend the fact that Congress sets tariffs under the US Constitution. And, on a 6-3 majority decision released last week, we won.

While President Trump has (unfortunately) continued to push his misguided tariff policies by other means we remain opposed at least until or unless Congress acts.

And, while RGF does NOT believe in governing by public opinion polls it is worth noting that Pew Polling released in early February found: “By a wide margin, Americans continue to say they disapprove of the Trump administration substantially increasing tariffs: 60% say this, including 39% who say they strongly disapprove. By contrast, 37% say they approve of the increased tariffs, and just 13% strongly approve.”

Also, while the President seems to have other means of imposing tariffs he does so at the risk of doing great harm to the economy.