In a recent appearance on MS NOW’s “The Briefing,” Senator Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts did not mince words as she criticized former President Donald Trump’s use of tariffs, likening his approach to a “mafia shakedown.”

Warren remarked on a significant Supreme Court ruling, stating, “The Supreme Court stepped up and actually applied the law. They clearly articulated, both under the Constitution and existing statutes, that Donald Trump lacked the authority to impose many of the arbitrary tariffs he did. These actions were illegal, leaving no room for doubt, as reflected in the 6-3 opinion. So, yes, the Supreme Court got it right.”

She further elaborated on Trump’s conduct, suggesting that he portrayed himself as a formidable figure, resorting to tariff increases over personal grievances. Warren highlighted a troubling narrative circulating in Washington at the time: foreign countries, anxious about potential tariff hikes that could devastate local industries, were led to believe they needed to curry favor with the right people in the U.S. capital. Warren equated this to a mafia-style operation, where influence was peddled, and favors were exchanged, hinting at a system where monetary incentives were expected to secure favorable outcomes.

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