Wall Street Journal columnist suggests Trump’s tariffs could lead to impeachment.

Is President Donald Trump on the path to impeachment? That’s the question raised by Holman W. Jenkins Jr., a columnist and editorial board member at The Wall Street Journal. In a scathing opinion piece, Jenkins argues that Trump’s chaotic tariff rollout, which sent the markets into a tailspin, may be the catalyst for his own downfall. Jenkins suggests that Trump’s “ill-founded trade war” has not only damaged the economy but also put America’s standing with creditors and trade partners at risk. With the recent historic stock market crash and the subsequent pause on tariffs, Jenkins contends that a future Trump impeachment now seems more likely than ever. But how did we get here? Jenkins points to Trump’s own confused intuition, his ratings-based politics, and his disregard for the consequences of his actions. This article delves into the controversial trade war, its impact on the markets, and the potential ramifications for the Trump presidency.

1. Trade War and Impeachment

The Wall Street Journal columnist, Holman W. Jenkins Jr., suggests that President Donald Trump’s trade war, characterized by his chaotic tariff rollout, could potentially lead to his impeachment. Jenkins argues that the ill-founded nature of the trade war and its negative impact on markets may make impeachment more likely.

2. Historic Stock Market Crash

Last week, following the announcement of reciprocal tariffs by Trump, the stock market experienced a significant downturn, marking its worst day since March 2020. This event, combined with the subsequent pause on tariffs, has further fueled speculation about Trump’s future and the potential for impeachment.

3. Trump’s Confused Intuition

Jenkins criticizes Trump’s decision-making process, attributing the tariffs to the president’s own confused intuition. He argues that Trump’s politics are not based on polls or policies but rather on ratings, implying that Trump’s actions lack strategic thinking and are driven by personal interests rather than the country’s well-being.

4. The Feedback from Financial Markets

Jenkins highlights how the financial markets, with their instant responsiveness and trillion-dollar impact, serve as a feedback mechanism that resembles the checks and balances envisioned by the founding fathers. He suggests that Trump, in his response to the negative market feedback, demonstrated a willingness to listen and adjust his approach, though Jenkins questions whether this will continue.

5. Editorial Board Criticism and Consequences

The Wall Street Journal’s editorial board, owned by conservative media mogul Rupert Murdoch, has also been critical of Trump’s trade war. They referred to the day of the tariff announcement as “Buy Another Yacht Day for the swamp” and expressed concerns about the potential consequences of remaking the world economy, casting doubt on Trump’s promises of a new “golden age.”

In conclusion, Holman W. Jenkins Jr.’s opinion piece in The Wall Street Journal raises the possibility of a future impeachment for President Donald Trump due to his chaotic tariff rollout and its impact on the markets. Jenkins criticizes Trump’s ill-founded trade war, arguing that it is based on the president’s own confused intuition and ratings-driven politics rather than sound policy. The historic stock market crash following the announcement of reciprocal tariffs added fuel to the speculation of impeachment. Although Trump paused the tariffs and acknowledged the negative market feedback, Jenkins questions whether this course correction will be sustained. The criticism from the Journal’s editorial board, owned by Rupert Murdoch, further highlights concerns about the consequences of remaking the world economy under Trump’s leadership. Ultimately, the article underscores the potential connection between the trade war, market volatility, and the future of Trump’s presidency, leaving room for further debate and analysis on this consequential topic.