By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Holman W. Jenkins Jr. of the Wall Street Journal argues that President Trump’s poorly conceived trade war, culminating in devastating tariffs, has increased the likelihood of impeachment. Jenkins criticizes the tariffs as driven by Trump’s erratic decision-making rather than sound policy or strategic considerations. The resulting market crash, though temporarily paused, highlighted the inherent instability of Trump’s approach and the potential for further economic turmoil. Jenkins suggests that impeachment may even be beneficial for restoring America’s international standing.
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Murdoch Paper Floats Impeaching Trump Over Tariffs
The idea of impeaching Donald Trump, this time potentially driven by the Murdoch media empire, is circulating, fueled by the economic fallout from his tariffs. It’s a fascinating development, raising questions about the motivations behind this potential shift and its implications for the future.
The suggestion of impeachment originating from a Murdoch publication is significant. These powerful media outlets have historically been closely aligned with the Republican party, making this a potential turning point. The sheer weight of their influence on public opinion cannot be understated. It’s not simply a matter of a single opinion piece; this would represent a major strategic shift in their narrative.
This potential about-face seems primarily driven by economic concerns, specifically the negative impact of Trump’s tariffs on the stock market and corporate profits. While the suffering of everyday citizens under these policies is undeniable, the influence of billionaire anxieties appears to be the catalyst for this action. It speaks volumes about the priorities at play.
While some see this as a positive step, others remain deeply cynical. The argument that the Murdoch’s are only acting because of their own financial losses carries significant weight. The concern is that this perceived change of heart is self-serving, not motivated by genuine concern for the well-being of the nation.
The question of whether this will lead to actual impeachment proceedings is far from certain. The Republican party’s unwavering loyalty to Trump, even in the face of numerous scandals, remains a significant hurdle. Even if a significant portion of the party were to turn, the required votes in Congress appear improbable.
There’s also the question of what, exactly, an impeachment would achieve. Past attempts have shown that impeachment, without a subsequent removal from office, does little to alter a president’s behavior or policy trajectory. Even a successful removal might yield limited positive results, given the current political climate.
Some suggest that focusing on alternative methods of curbing Trump’s power, such as stripping his authority to impose tariffs, might be a more effective and realistic approach than the fraught process of impeachment. It is a quicker solution.
Many believe that a fundamental shift in public opinion is crucial before any serious impeachment efforts could gain momentum. Simply relying on high-profile endorsements from influential media outlets might not be enough to overcome entrenched political divisions. It is important to not underestimate the power of the base that remains staunchly behind Trump.
A particularly striking observation is the prioritization of economic concerns over other serious issues. The outrage over other Trump actions, such as his controversial immigration policies and alleged human rights abuses, seems to pale in comparison to the economic anxiety of the wealthy. It is a stark reminder of the uneven distribution of power and influence in American politics.
The underlying assumption that billionaires hold ultimate power, capable of shaping political outcomes, is unsettling. The idea that they would only act once their own interests are directly threatened highlights a troubling aspect of the current political landscape, and undermines the concerns and experiences of ordinary citizens.
While it’s certainly captivating to watch this potential power play unfold, it is essential to maintain a critical perspective. The seemingly sudden outrage over tariffs, emanating from powerful media figures whose past actions have contributed to Trump’s ascent, demands a closer examination. It might be a pivotal moment, or it might be just another calculated maneuver in the ongoing political chess match. The outcome remains to be seen.