Are U.S. Trade Deals Real? Justin Wolfers Calls Them A “Reality TV Show”

Описание: What if the Supreme Court didn’t “end tariffs”—but ended one president’s ability to impose them solo?

The Court’s decision doesn’t say the U.S. can’t use tariffs. It says the president has to convince Congress first. That’s a major shift: if tariffs are a genuinely good policy, a Republican-controlled Congress should be persuadable. If they’re a bad idea—or just politically unpopular—Congress can stop them.

That’s why the new 15% global tariff announcement matters less than it sounds. Under the ruling, these tariffs are on a short leash and set to expire in about 150 days, because the president doesn’t have the power he claimed.

And about those “trade deals” everyone heard about? The uncomfortable truth is that many were more headline than hard signature—more reality TV than lasting agreement.

The stakes: Tariffs can raise prices for families, disrupt supply chains, and rattle business investment—so who has the authority to impose them affects your cost of living.

Topics covered:
Why the Supreme Court ruling doesn’t invalidate tariffs
How the decision shifts tariff power back to Congress
Why “good” tariffs should survive a congressional vote
How Congress can block unpopular trade policies
What’s different about a 10% vs. 15% tariff announcement
Why the new tariffs may expire in 150 days
How tariff uncertainty affects businesses and consumers
Why many supposed “trade deals” weren’t binding agreements
How political incentives can create “positive headlines” without policy
The difference between press conferences and signed trade agreements

Contents:
0:00 What the Supreme Court actually ruled
0:27 Tariffs still allowed—Congress must approve
0:55 Why the new 15% tariff has a time limit
1:16 Do U.S. trade deals constrain new tariffs?
1:28 “We basically don’t have any trade deals”
1:58 Headlines vs. real agreements

🎯 Key takeaway: Tariffs aren’t banned—unchecked presidential tariff power is.

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ABC News Live | February 22, 2026