Lay Down With Dogs ...

Congressional Republicans are at risk of paying a major political price for Trump's ego-driven policy decisions.

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This is concerning …

President Trump said on Wednesday that he planned to impose a 50 percent tariff on all Brazilian imports, partly in retaliation for what he sees as a “witch hunt” against his political ally, former President Jair Bolsonaro, who is facing trial for attempting a coup.

In a letter to President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva of Brazil, Mr. Trump wrote that the new tariffs would take effect on Aug. 1. “The way that Brazil has treated former President Bolsonaro, a Highly Respected Leader throughout the World during his Term, including by the United States, is an international disgrace.”

It’s bad enough that the president doesn’t understand how tariffs work and believes a trade deficit is evidence that America is getting ripped off. But now Trump is using tariffs as a cudgel to settle a political score and advocate for his buddy Jair Bolsonaro. (Keep in mind that Bolsonaro is facing legal charges because of his efforts to overturn a democratic election in Brazil. Sound familiar?)

Up to this point, Trump has relied on the dubious claim that his tariffs are addressing a national emergency. Bolsonaro’s criminal trial does not remotely qualify as such. So this particular Trump order is likely highly susceptible to a lawsuit. However, that means someone has to bring it, and the case must wind its way through federal courts. In the meantime, the economic impact of Trump’s actions will harm businesses and consumers in both Brazil and the United States. Not for nothing, but around 250 years ago, we fought a revolution to stop such unchecked, unilateral, and undemocratic moves.

You Get A Tariff, You Get A Tariff …

Trump’s letter to Brazil comes on the heels of more unilateral actions by the president. This week, his administration has sent letters to 21 countries announcing higher tariffs. The tariff rates on these countries range from 20% to 40%, and the letters note that the US will “perhaps” adjust the tariff rate “depending on our relationship with your Country.” Your guess is as good as mine as to what that means. (As an FYI, US tariff rates are at their highest point since the 1930s).