The article argues that Donald Trump's tariffs, viewed as an economic catastrophe, are a symptom of America's democratic decay. It asserts that a properly functioning democracy would prevent a president from unilaterally imposing such broad tariffs, as the constitutional authority to raise taxes rests with Congress.
The author posits that the US operates as a hybrid system, combining democratic elements (free and fair elections) with autocratic features (the president's ability to circumvent Congress). This is attributed to Congress's delegation of authority to the executive branch, vague emergency powers, and the judiciary's inconsistent checks on presidential power.
Internal executive branch checks and informal constraints (public opinion, presidential moral code) have also weakened, leaving a determined president like Trump able to disregard norms and act unilaterally.
The article emphasizes the negative consequences of this hybrid system. The tariffs illustrate how the absence of a robust democratic process results in poorly informed, potentially disastrous policy decisions. The author uses the examples of Mao's Great Leap Forward and Putin's invasion of Ukraine to illustrate the perils of unchecked executive power.
In conclusion, the article warns that America's weakening democracy creates a situation where damaging policies, like Trump's tariffs, can be implemented, underscoring the need for restoring checks and balances to prevent future crises.