President Donald Trump's tariffs announcement on April 2 made during what he described as "Liberation Day"
brought renewed attention to the Smoot–Hawley Act. This little-known bill was introduced in 1930 as a protectionist trade measure and was signed into law as the Great Depression took hold across the United States. But why was this obscure piece of legislation referenced in the first place, and how has the White House reacted in other times of economic crisis?
Click through and find out more about
the Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act.