(The Wall Street Journal)—The White House claims that phones were “ringing off the hook” with countries caving to President Trump’s reciprocal tariffs. Meanwhile, the bond market backed up and stocks sold off until Mr. Trump folded like a cocktail napkin by pausing most reciprocal tariffs. Ukraine has signed a memorandum of understanding leading toward a mineral-rights deal. So much folding. We’re having an Origami moment. Does anyone have a backbone anymore?
Apparently not. After years of living off electric-vehicle tax credits and green loans, Elon Musk folded and is now a born-again free marketer. He even suggested a free-trade zone with the European Union, calling America-first architect Peter Navarro “a moron.” Mr. Musk needs to work on his insults to become truly Trumpian.
Nothing is sacred. A recent New York Times op-ed urged Democrats to embrace free trade. What’s next for the left? Free markets? Small government? Speaking of folding, California Gov. Gavin Newsom is tackling crime and transgender athletes. The capitulation will continue until morale improves.
Mr. Trump caved to Apple’s Tim Cook with talk of tariff exemptions for phones and computers coming from China, or, as the president would say, “CHY-na.” The only real pushback to tariff mania are suits by the Liberty Justice Center and others claiming violations of the “major questions” doctrine. They’re right…
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