Trump Identifies His Trade Weapon of Choice, to the Dismay of Congress

The president’s use of a national security law to threaten tariffs, most recently on imported cars, has lawmakers, the auto industry and foreign trade partners worried

President Donald Trump’s use of a national security law to threaten tariffs on imported cars drew widespread criticism Thursday, including sharp rebukes from senior members of his own Republican Party.

Lawmakers, the auto industry and foreign trade partners were among those lambasting Mr. Trump’s move Wednesday to order a review of imported vehicles and auto parts under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act, the same law Mr. Trump used to impose tariffs on imported steel and aluminum in March.

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