The Week: Trump’s Absurd Trade War

• All we’re saying is that Jolene had better have a good alibi.

• President Donald Trump imposed sweeping new tariffs on Canadian imports. He then announced on Truth Social that current tariffs on “Cars, Trucks, both large and small, Automotive Parts, and Steel, will be increased to 50%.” Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced that he will retaliate by imposing tariffs on goods from dairy products to electronics. This needless trade war will inflict economic damage on both sides of the border. In the U.S., it will harm manufacturers and raise prices. That is unwelcome news for consumers and for the Republican candidates who will be asking for their votes in a few weeks. The geopolitical consequences may also be serious. In an age of anxiety over supply chains, creating a cohesive North American bloc makes sense. But the Trump administration is moving in the opposite direction, and its behavior toward Canada cannot fail to alarm other American allies. The U.S. and Canada must resolve this crisis as soon as possible. But the damage done to America’s close friendship with its resource-rich and strategically located northern neighbor will take a long time to repair.

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• All we’re saying is that Jolene had better have a good alibi.

• President Donald Trump imposed sweeping new tariffs on Canadian imports. He then announced on Truth Social that current tariffs on “Cars, Trucks, both large and small, Automotive Parts, and Steel, will be increased to 50%.” Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced that he will retaliate by imposing tariffs on goods from dairy products to electronics. This needless trade war will inflict economic damage on both sides of the border. In the U.S., it will harm manufacturers and raise prices. That is unwelcome news for consumers and for the Republican candidates who will be asking for their votes in a few weeks. The geopolitical consequences may also be serious. In an age of anxiety over supply chains, creating a cohesive North American bloc makes sense. But the Trump administration is moving in the opposite direction, and its behavior toward Canada cannot fail to alarm other American allies. The U.S. and Canada must resolve this crisis as soon as possible. But the damage done to America’s close friendship with its resource-rich and strategically located northern neighbor will take a long time to repair.