Europeans, it often seems, think of the New World in cliches — i.e., the loud, uncultured, and overweight American with an extreme fondness for high-powered firearms. But for all the generalization, they know how Congress works and they know how to exert pressure.
When President Trump announced plans to impose a 25 percent duty on steel and a 10 percent duty on aluminum, the European Union unveiled the most stereotypical countermeasures. “We will put tariffs,” said European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker, “on Harley-Davidson, on bourbon, and on blue jeans.”
It couldn’t be more cliche, and it couldn’t be more perfect because it will maximize pressure locally for Congress to act nationally.
In Wisconsin, House Speaker Paul Ryan’s constituents build motorcycles. In Kentucky, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell’s voters brew spirits. Across the country, politicians wear blue jeans while trying to look like they aren’t politicians. Without the business of the 28-member EU, those districts and states will be hard hit, forcing a conversation on trade policy.
It’s the same strategy that the EU pursued during former President George W. Bush’s tenure. When Bush enforced “temporary safeguards” for the U.S. steel industry in 2002, they came after his brother. “We targeted the orange juice from Florida,” a former EU trade representative told Politico. The next year the administration lifted the safeguards.
The same thing can happen now — albeit not through the White House. There is little chance that Trump will change his mind on the tariff. But Congress can force his hand.
Currently, Trump enjoys broad discretion on tariffs, as Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross was quick to point out, under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962. But Congress, a coequal branch of government, can write new laws. If the EU counter-tariffs continue and if the market gets ugly, there is nothing to stop Republicans and Democrats from doing, or threatening to do, exactly that.
Turns out, all politics really is local. Even the Europeans know that much about democracy in America.
