David Cay Johnston on Trump's Humiliation by Courts and Tariffs

Court Ruling on Tariffs

• 🏛️ A US court has blocked Donald Trump's use of sweeping tariffs, ruling that an emergency law he invoked does not grant him unilateral authority to impose them on nearly every country.
• ⚠️ The White House has appealed the decision, which could reach the US Supreme Court, potentially stripping Trump of cherished tariff powers.
• ⚖️ The ruling specifically excluded 25% tariffs on steel, aluminum, and cars, which were imposed through established legal processes.

Misuse of Emergency Legislation

• ⚡ The tariffs in question were imposed using the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEPA), a law that does not mention tariffs and has never been used for this purpose by any president.
• 📜 This circumvents the proper legal process, which involves building a case, drafting reports, and consulting Congress, typically taking 8-9 months.
• 🌍 The court found that a trade deficit, which has existed for decades, does not constitute a genuine emergency justifying the use of IEPA for global tariffs.

Trump's Belief in Dictatorial Powers

• 👑 Investigative journalist David Cay Johnston asserts that Donald Trump believes he holds dictatorial powers, citing Trump's interpretation of Article II of the Constitution.
• 🚫 Trump's proposed legislation includes a provision to prevent federal judges from holding those who violate their orders in contempt, which would effectively emasculate the courts.
• 📉 This court decision is seen as a humiliation for Trump, particularly given his adversarial relationship with judges.

Trump's Response and Ignorance

• 🗣️ White House Deputy Chief of Staff Steven Miller called the ruling a "judicial coup," indicating a likely fight with the courts.
• 🧠 Johnston describes Trump as "appallingly ignorant" and a "con artist" who operates through bullying and attacking those who question him.
• ⚔️ Trump may relish another fight with the courts, potentially ignoring rulings despite constitutional constraints.

Expert Advice and Future Outlook

• 🤝 Andrew Hail, a senior analyst at the Heritage Foundation, advised the White House to revert to established legal processes like the 301, 201, and 232 tariffs, and to bring back skilled negotiators like Ambassador Lighthizer.
• 📉 Despite the setback, the situation highlights a potential clash between the White House and the judiciary over presidential powers.