It appears that Trump is about to announce a number of protectionist actions, mostly aimed at China, later this week. Here is where the factions stand on protectionism:
- CLs: No way, Jose! Protectionist actions are an unwarranted infringement on the free market and economic liberty.
- PBPs: Protectionism will cost us lots of money. We’re opposed.
- CDs: Not our thing, either way.
- Reactionaries: Now we’re talking! Bring back our lost manufacturing jobs! It’ll be the fifties all over again! #MAGA!
It should be obvious from this analysis that Trump wouldn’t have the votes to impose protectionism through legislation. Unfortunately for us, he can lawfully do plenty of damage on his own. The real issue politically is whether the PBPs will abandon him, even after the big business-friendly tax cut, if he follows the Reactionary line on protectionism. It probably depends on whether the business in question is dependent on foreign markets or not.