Court reigns in Trump on tariff's.

 CONGRESS NEEDS TO ASSUME THEIR RESPONSIBILITIES

TRUMP HAD IT RIGHT IN FIRST TERM

On Friday the supreme court ruled that President Trump overstepped his authority with much of his tariff policy, it was a good decision. I suspect that Trump could have enjoyed a certain amount of leeway in his tariffs if he would have been consistent and keep tariff's as part of trade policy. His policy in his first term was to use tariff's as a tool to negotiate with trade partners to end their discriminatory tariffs on U.S. goods. It was a quicker way to balance fair trade without years of disputes in the World Trade organization, he had some success with that policy.

The idea of a flat 10% tariff on imported goods could be a good idea, if the revenue  would be used to improve infrastructure that is necessary to faciality trade, airports, ports, highways, all necessary for both domestic and international trade. A better way would be a flat assessment by percentage of trade with those that export to the country with a payment from those countries to the U.S. infrastructure fund, as a fee to gain access to U.S. markets. It would be non discriminatory and would be less likely to be paid by U.S. consumers. That and negotiations based on reciprocal tariffs, could be acceptable to all involved. The original idea was to negotiate to end tariffs.

In this term it seems Trump has gone astray with idea that he can effect foreign policy of both allies and competitors with imposing large tariff's to force compliance with issues other than trade. Some of this was forced by members of the Senate, one has to wonder if they hoped to effect change or damage Trump. Attempting to force others to not do business with Russia, at their economic damage, by oppressive and discriminatory tariffs. Tariffing India, but exempting China because China has more leverage than India, is likely to have a long term result of many just coming to the conclusion that trade with the U.S. is too complicated and even dangerous. The Idea inherited from previous administrations that there cannot be any country adopting a policy of neutrality, is bad policy. The idea that every country has to adopt the U.S. foreign policy objectives, even at their economic peril, will in the long run, force the much anticipated duel world economic systems, that will leave the western world behind.  

After one year of this policy, it is not too late to change course, the court has given Trump the out to move in a better direction, at least as far trade is concerned. If congress would assume their responsibilities, it could give him the out in ending of wars of regime change. Sadly, congress has morphed into efforts of short term political advantage, with little real policy or long term objectives. Most of them are  disgrace to their office.