Subject: Re: Tariffs
Jim is correct that Europe has not been a trade threat to the US, but in this case, it does not matter a bit. This is all about showing how powerful we are and proving how important we are to the world.

I presume you're right. But even if that were the goal, it's more of an "own goal" to whatever extent any of the intended audience is outside the US.

Latest Democracy Perception Index survey figures:
Share of countries with positive view of the US last year: 76%
Share of countries with positive view of the US latest: 45%

It's not winning any personal popularity contests, either.
Percent of countries with net negative view of Mr Trump: 82%
Percent of countries with net negative view of Mr Putin: 61%
Percent of countries with net negative view of Chairman Xi: 44%

Quite the accomplishment : )

Jim