President Trump’s lightning-fast imposition of tariffs has raised legal questions and concerns over the proper process for setting tariffs in the United States. Instead of following the traditional months-long procedure, Trump utilized a 1970s law to bypass the normal process, leaving him vulnerable to legal challenges and potential actions from Congress.
The Wall Street Journal’s Gavin Bade delves into the legal logistics behind Trump’s tariff decisions in a recent video. Bade explains the typical procedure for setting tariffs, which involves a lengthy process that includes input from various government agencies and public comments. However, Trump’s approach has been far swifter, raising questions about the legality and constitutionality of his actions.
The video goes on to detail how Trump calculated the tariffs and how Congress is responding to his unconventional method. The legislative branch is responsible for setting tariffs, and Trump’s utilization of the 1970s law to bypass the normal process has sparked backlash from lawmakers who believe he is overstepping his boundaries.
In the end, the upshot of Trump’s lightning-fast tariffs is a legal and political battle that pits the executive branch against Congress and raises questions about the proper procedure for setting tariffs in the United States. The WSJ’s news explainers aim to break down complex issues like this one, providing viewers with a clear understanding of the day’s biggest stories.
As Trump continues to push forward with his trade agenda, the debate over his use of tariffs will likely continue, shaping the narrative of his presidency and highlighting the delicate balance of power between the branches of government.
Watch the video by The Wall Street Journal
Video “Trump's Lightning-Fast Tariffs: The Legal Logistics Behind His Process | WSJ” was uploaded on 04/07/2025 to Youtube Channel The Wall Street Journal