Constitutionally, Congress controls tariffs. Congress chose to transfer that power to the President in dozens of statutes over the centuries. The Trade Expansion Act empowers Trump to use tariffs whenever needed for national security. The International Emergency Economic Powers Act empowers Trump to use tariffs in any emergency. The Trade Act empowers Trump to use tariffs to protect US industry and offset injurious foreign trade practices.

Trump’s tariff policy is both Constitutionally rooted and Congressionally approved, with a sound basis in national security and productive economy, reflecting a broader view of the purpose of the economy to make Americans more secure in all respects from foreign threats. As such, it conforms directly to the beliefs and intent of the founding generation.

Robert Barnes