How Trump’s trade policy spiraled out of control 

In the wake of the Supreme Court’s ruling overturning President Trump’s reciprocal tariffs, many scholars are weighing its significance. The most common interpretation is that the decision was about the separation of powers, in which Article 1 of the Constitution grants taxing and tariff powers to Congress.

What should not be lost amid this, however, is how Trump’s trade policy has fallen short of achieving its goals. Thus, even though U.S. imports from China declined significantly last year, the overall U.S. trade deficit finished 2025 at a record high. American manufacturers also cut an estimated 108,000 jobs during Trump’s first year according to a Joint Economic Committee Minority report.

Meanwhile, public opinion polls show that Trump’s approval ratings have plummeted in part due to concerns households have about many products becoming unaffordable. 

This has not stopped Trump from doubling down, however. He indicated that he would impose new tariffs without going through Congress, although the statutes do not grant him as much flexibility as before. 

So, why is Trump doing this? 

Dartmouth Professor Douglas Irwin, an expert on U.S trade policy, contends that the tariffs Trump announced in his second term are “unique.” Irwin’s premise is that we are now entering a new era, where Trump is seeking retribution for America’s trading partners taking advantage of the U.S.   

Trump’s views on trade date back to the 1980s when Japan amassed large trade surpluses. President Ronald Reagan applied diplomatic pressure to reduce the imbalances, including implementing tariffs........

© The Hill