### Trump Promotes Tariffs as Cornerstone of Economic Plan, Bypassing Congress

Tariffs have become a defining element of Donald Trump’s campaign narrative, promising to rejuvenate American manufacturing, create jobs, and even address childcare funding. At a recent event in Smithton, Pennsylvania, Trump emphasized the unilateral power of the presidency to impose tariffs, stating that congressional approval, while preferable, is not necessary.

Trump’s policy could find some support among economists who believe higher tariffs might stimulate certain areas of U.S. manufacturing. However, they also warn that such measures could reignite inflation as importers pass increased costs on to consumers. A resulting trade war could negatively impact U.S. exporters and job growth.

Experts confirm Trump’s assertion that the president has broad authority in setting tariffs. Yet, Trump’s ambitious proposals—such as tariffs between 60% and 100% on Chinese goods and a potential 20% tax on all imports—could face legal and congressional challenges. Mary Lovely from the Peterson Institute for International Economics predicts a swift reckoning if such policies are implemented.

The Trump campaign has highlighted past successes with tariffs, particularly against China, and dismissed inflationary concerns. Trump cites historical data, pointing out that inflation remained below 3% during his administration. The Bureau of Labor Statistics corroborates that inflation hovered around 1.3% as his term ended.

Laws such as Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 allow for temporary tariff imposition in response to unfair trade practices. Trump could leverage this and other legislative tools to enact his proposed tariffs. However, more unprecedented methods, like universal tariffs, might require invoking national emergencies or using rarely applied laws, creating potential constitutional and legal confrontations.

Legal experts, including those at the Council on Foreign Relations, indicate that Congress has historically delegated considerable tariff-setting power to the president, a trend dating back over 80 years. During Trump’s first term, steel and aluminum tariffs were based on national security measures from the mid-20th century. Similar authority could be used again, but universal tariffs would represent an uncharted application of existing laws.

If enacted, these tariff policies could face significant opposition from various quarters, including possible retaliatory measures from trading partners. Industry strains and pressure from global trade partners could force U.S. lawmakers to reconsider their stances, adding to the overall uncertainty.

As Trump continues to champion tariffs on the campaign trail, their potential impact and the interplay between legislative and executive powers remain critical areas of focus for both supporters and critics.