There is no economic argument for tariffs. There are mountains of theory and empirical historical evidence that they make countries poorer.

The motivation for these tariffs are not economic or financial.

They are being used by a narcissist as a tool to force others prostate themselves on front of him. Whether foreign leaders - who will have to "kiss the ring" pleading the case for their country to get relief - or domestic CEOs who will now have join a queue to plead with Trump for exemptions for their particular sector (like the auto business CEOs have).

We've already seen it with social media CEOs who queued up to offer him money and support, we're seeing it with law firms whose very existence he has threatened by EO forcing senior partners to not only bend to his will but to humiliate themselves in doing so and we seen university presidents do similar.

The tariff stuff is a continuation and escalation of that policy.

The cost is to America's reputation, international standing and economic well-being and will be borne for decades. The benefits are ephemeral - an ego massage for DJ Trump.