Joe Biden wants to turn the page on Donald Trump. But on day one he’s copying his methods. In fact, Barack Obama’s administration (with Biden as vice-president) did exactly what Trump has been criticised for doing, before many thought of the latter as a serious presidential candidate.

Remember the “national security” implications of importing Canadian aluminium or French wines? Trump was rightly criticised for abusing the language of a 1960s’ law to do what he wanted. He used executive orders, on the flimsiest of excuses, to raise tariffs without regard for Congress. One-man rule, many Democrats cried. Politics instead of policy, they moaned...

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