Yes, Donald Trump really could start a trade war as president

While Congress stands between Donald Trump and his campaign promises of tax cuts and wall-building, the same limitations are not placed on the president when it comes to trade. In fact, if Trump were to be elected, there is a very good chance he could actually come through on his vows to "'rip up' international trade deals such as the North American Free Trade Agreement, withdraw from the World Trade Organization, and sharply raise the tariffs charged on goods imported from China and Mexico," The New York Times reports. But such dealings are a two-way street, and if Trump fulfills his promises unchecked, he could ignite trade wars, experts say:

In order to prevent a president from taking advantage of the powers vested in him or herself by Congress over the past century, Congress would have to write new laws or repeal or otherwise alter the ones that exist. With the president very likely to veto such restrictions on their power, to actually pass such a measure would require two-thirds majorities in the House and Senate.

But failing to do so could mean economic disaster. "After all, even the World Trade Organization recognizes the need for national security exceptions to its rules," The New York Times writes. "Even if Mr. Trump were found to breach their rules, the only recourse for other countries would be to retaliate by raising their own tariffs. It's a prospect that scares many economists, but appears not to worry Mr. Trump."

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