
THE DAILY BLAST with Greg Sargent Trump Accidentally Wrecks His Own Case for Tariffs in 3 Crazed Tirades
Jan 26, 2026
Steve Benen, political journalist and commentator at MSNBC/Now, breaks down how Trump’s own rants have sabotaged his tariff case. He walks through public statements that reveal whimsical rationales. They discuss the weak legal footing, congressional abdication, and the political stakes if such powers go unchecked.
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Tariff Hike Over A Leader's Voice
- Donald Trump described raising Swiss tariffs to 39% because a female Swiss leader's voice "rubbed him the wrong way."
- He later reduced the tariff after receiving gifts and flattery from Swiss delegates.
Trade Deficits Don't Fit 'Emergency' Claims
- The White House claims trade deficits are an emergency to justify unilateral tariffs under a 1977 law.
- Steve Benen and Greg Sargent argue trade deficits are not the kind of emergency that law contemplates.
Public Admissions Undermine Legal Case
- Trump repeatedly publicly admits non-emergency motives for tariffs, undermining legal defenses.
- Such public admissions could damage his case if the Supreme Court weighs his explanations.
