Tariffs are self-harm to Americans, says AEI's James Pethokoukis

Trade Policy & Tariffs - The U S president imposed an extra 25% tariff on India over its purchase of Russian oil [1] - Tariffs are viewed as a universal problem solver by the president, which is unusual in US trade policy [2] - Imposing a broad 25% tariff on India is strange, especially if the issue is solely about oil imports from Russia [2] - The president's use of tariffs to solve personal or economic problems creates uncertainty [3] - Tariffs are considered self-harm because they hurt American consumers and producers [5][6] Sanctions vs Tariffs - Sanctions require consistency and allied cooperation, which may not align with the president's go-it-alone attitude [4] - Sanctions differ from tariffs as they are not an exercise in self-harm [5][6] International Relations & Trade Deals - Switzerland may need to promote the president for the Nobel Peace Prize to secure a trade deal [6][7] - Countries are living in permanent uncertainty, as trade surpluses or deficits may not protect them from the president's internal political reasons [7]