Hi John,

Why would the Trump administration impose a huge tariff on a country where the US has a significant trade surplus and where US companies like Starbucks source much of their coffee? 

Well, the answer isn't to protect US workers or to fix a trade imbalance. 

The Trump administration is imposing a 50% tariff on Brazil to protect one of Trump's political allies, Jair Bolsonaro, the former president of Brazil, who is facing criminal charges there. 

That's mob-style politics and a dangerous abuse of power. 

Meanwhile, Congress has remained silent even though the Constitution actually gives Congress the authority over tariff policy. 

Tariffs like these can raise prices on cars, clothes, food, and other essentials. And right now, the President can impose them with no debate, no oversight, and no accountability – while everyday Americans pay the price. That's not a government working for the people. That's a system benefiting the powerful. 

Tell Congress to take back their Constitutionally-mandated power of the purse.