Subject: Re: The two-pronged goal of the tariff actions
Again, maybe this is a goal that someone trying to find an after-the-fact justification for the completely thoughtless tariff structure might land on, as a rationalization for an utterly irrational economic policy. But it doesn't really make sense, and it's inconsistent with nearly every other part of the tariff program other than the China tariffs.

After the fact justification? I don't see that going on.

You also wouldn't impose whacking high tariffs against the rest of the Western economies, because doing that only creates economic incentives for them to increase their exposure to Chinese influence, and burns their electorate against feeling friendly towards the U.S.

Only if somebody over there is very, very, short sighted. Go ask the Italians what they think about the allure of Chinese capital and the hidden costs it brings.