[bryanlarsen]

Tariff targets are generally chosen on industries that have an oversized impact on politicians. Harley-Davidson was chosen because while those tariffs would have little impact on the European or US economy, they figured it would have an oversized impact on Trump.

Farmers are typically chosen for counter-tariffs for the same reason -- politicians listen to farmers a lot more closely than their voting or economic impact would imply. Upset farmers get a lot of media time.

Musk has Trump's ear. That's why he'll be targetted.

[JumpCrisscross]

> Tariff targets are generally chosen on industries that have an oversized impact on politicians

In 2016, when countries were trying to influence policy. There are other motivations for tariffs, from seeking autonomy from an unreliable trading partner to straight-up spite. There is also the domestic component: you target industries you have domestic competitors for because that now makes them happy.

[bryanlarsen]

All counter tariffs are trying to influence policy. If they weren't, we'd just call them tariffs.