President Donald Trump’s new tariffs on Canada are not just a bad idea — they are a destructive and probably illegal policy that hurts Americans, weakens our economy, betrays our closest ally, and undermines our standing in the world.
If these tariffs remain in place, American families will pay more for everyday goods, from groceries to lumber to car parts. Manufacturing jobs aren’t coming back. Instead, businesses will face higher costs, forcing them to raise prices or stop hiring. Economic growth will continue to slow, and uncertainty will discourage investing and planning. The Trump regime’s usage of the 1930 Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act (the law that helped trigger the Great Depression) to justify a trade war with Canada is dangerously reckless. Canada is our largest trading partner and the biggest buyer of American exports. Picking a fight with them will only hurt American farmers, factory workers, and consumers, while doing nothing to solve our real economic challenges. And Canada will probably retaliate in ways that will hurt American families even more.
Aside from the economic damage, these tariffs are likely illegal. In February the Supreme Court already ruled that a similar policy is illegal. Instead of respecting that decision, President Trump is trying a new one based on very shaky legal grounds. He invoked this 1930 law (which was never used this way before) and claimed that Canada uses forced labor — a ridiculous accusation since this is about Canada, one of our closest friends and allies (and most ethical partners too). Even many Republicans in Congress are privately furious, yet they have done nothing to stop this man who has a very limited understanding of economics.
His pattern of acting on whims, ignoring court rulings, and twisting laws is dangerous. It disrespects the Constitution and the balance of power between our branches of government. Congress has the power and can stop this economic craziness by passing laws to close the loopholes the president is trying to exploit. Courts must act wisely and swiftly, too.
Meanwhile, I also don’t think that this president should be allowed to change Lake Ontario’s name to “Lake America” either.
We cannot let this one man’s ego and failing mind continue to damage our economy, alienate our greatest ally, and break our laws. It’s time for Congress and the courts to stand up for the American people and say “enough” before even more damage is done.
Lawrence Pareles lives in Northampton.