Trump committed these reckless acts without any regard for their likely consequences. No surprise, both have backfired. Despite sky-high “reciprocal” tariffs against America’s purportedly abusive trading partners, the US trade deficit hit a new record in 2025. And despite all the bluster about obliterating Iran’s military power, Iranian missiles and drones continue to wreak havoc in the Middle East, while the country’s strategic chokehold on the Strait of Hormuz has led to the world’s largest-ever oil shock.
Rumour has it that last year, US President Donald Trump delayed his so-called Liberation Day tariff announcement by a day, to April 2, because he didn’t want his unconstitutional trade “emergency” to come across as an April Fools’ Day hoax. This year, Trump defied the calendar with an address to the nation on April 1, touting yet another unconstitutional act — a war with Iran conducted without congressional approval.
Both moves have much in common. Not only do they flout the law, but they also attempt to drive a stake into the heart of the world order. Last year’s tariff shock was aimed at the rules-based global trading system established by the US. This year’s military shock is aimed at the Middle East, long the world’s most volatile region.
