THE AMERICAN POSEIDON ADVENTURE

WHO CARES????

NOT TRUMP!

Pundits and politicians, especially Republicans facing reelection, appear bewildered by Trump’s response to the Court’s tariff ruling, flinching at his disrespectful characterization of the Justices who rejected his use of IEEPA. The Court did not rule against Trump personally; it ruled on the limits of presidential power, just as it did in the immunity decision, which I strongly disagreed with.

As I’ve said before, Trump could have been a popular and constructive president. Instead, he remains captive to a narcissistic and megalomaniacal disposition that shapes his conduct. He appears incapable of acting for the good of anyone but himself. He must always be at the center, an insatiable seeker of attention, equating money with power and validation. His return to office was driven first by a desire to avoid legal jeopardy and second by a desire to punish those and the institutions that held him accountable. In many ways, he stands as the antithesis of George Washington: unable to tell the truth and indifferent to democratic norms or the country’s well-being when personal gain is at stake.

His reaction to the tariff ruling is a perfect illustration of what he truly cares about. As today’s Wall Street Journal editorial put it:

“The Unending Trump Tariff Mess: Section 122, the basis for his new tax plan, is a relic of a bygone age.”

The editorial captures the circus-like atmosphere and poor judgment now on display:

“President Trump is reacting to his Friday tariff defeat not by calming the trade waters but by roiling them further. He is aiming in fury at the Supreme Court, but he will end up hitting the economy and Republicans in Congress.”

“The smart play after his legal defeat would be to take an off-ramp and forgo or pause new tariffs. Instead, the White House this weekend dusted off Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974 as a work-around.”

“Friday’s Supreme Court ruling should be a $150 billion tax cut as businesses apply for refunds from illegal tariffs.”

“Trump lawyers said the refund process would be a legal breeze. But now the Administration is suggesting it will fight refund requests in court. This is a political bait and switch, and it also delays refunds that could go to more productive economic uses.”

Viewed through the lens of Trump’s well-documented behavioral patterns, even the petulant gesture of saying he will refer to the Supreme Court in lowercase letters is predictable. The deeper reality is that he appears unconcerned with the fate of the Republican Party, the American public, or the country’s long-term interests. Unable to run again, he has little incentive to consider political consequences. What remains is the drive to dominate the spotlight and pursue opportunities for personal advantage.

As the Wall Street Journal editorial concludes: “This looks increasingly like a losing wager for Republicans.” It may indeed be a losing wager for Republicans, but it could prove a saving grace for America.

VOTE!!!

RESIST!!! & EDUCATE!!!