White House Invokes Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act, Sparking Economic Concerns
The White House has invoked Section 338 of the Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act of 1930, imposing a 50% tariff on Canadian imports, including wine and hockey sticks. This move bypasses the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement's protections and marks the first use of this section in 95 years. The administration's decision follows the Supreme Court's rejection of tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) in February. The White House has been shifting between various statutes to maintain its tariff regime, despite legal challenges. The administration argues that these tariffs are necessary to address national emergencies, but critics warn of potential economic harm similar to the Great Depression, which was exacerbated by the original Smoot-Hawley tariffs. 
