Trump has made clear he will use tariffs — many of which he can enact without Congress’ approval — to an unprecedented degree as a bludgeon against allies and rivals alike to achieve domestic and foreign policy goals. Rising inflation as tariffs result in higher prices on imports such as cars, electronics, food, and clothing.

A post on Truth Social by President Elect Donald Trump shattered the calm that had fallen on Washington DC in the days ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday when the U.S. Congress was in recess. The post read:

Texas Sen. Ted Cruz (R) defended President-elect Trump’s threat to impose steep 25 percent tariffs on all goods from Canada and Mexico — two key U.S. allies — pointing out that the remark produced “immediate” action.