With geopolitical tensions rising, Hollywood faltering, and federal courts caught in the crosshairs, HotAir.com Senior Editor Ed Morrissey joined Amy Jacobson and Chris Krok (in for Dan Proft) on Chicago’s Morning Answer to unpack the week’s biggest political, economic, and cultural stories.
Morrissey, known for his insightful takes on conservative politics and policy, didn’t disappoint—diving into Trump’s escalating tariff war with China, judicial overreach, and even the collapse of Disney’s Snow White remake.
Trump’s Tariffs: Targeting China or Torching Trade?
Morrissey acknowledged that Trump’s new round of tariffs is aimed squarely at China but warned of potential economic fallout and strategic missteps.
“Trump wants to force U.S. manufacturers out of China—and even out of the whole East Asian rim,” Morrissey said. “But a lot of components are still coming from China. Even if you move production to Vietnam, you’re still tied to China.”
While acknowledging China’s role in manipulating global trade and dumping cheap goods, Morrissey expressed skepticism toward a tariff-heavy strategy.
“I’m still a skeptic on tariffs. I’m not sure there’s a coherent long-term strategy. There are voices in the administration that want to replace the income tax with tariffs. If that’s the plan, they haven’t told anyone.”
SCOTUS: Procedural Wins and Legal Shrugs
The Supreme Court made headlines this week by temporarily blocking a lower court ruling that would have reinstated 16,000 federal employees removed over pandemic-era mandates. But Morrissey poured cold water on any celebration.
“It’s procedural, not substantive,” he explained. “It affects a subset of people and doesn’t really change much because other injunctions are still in place.”
Likewise, the Court’s ruling on habeas corpus for deportations didn’t alter the playing field much either.
“It just clarifies venue rules. These cases still need to be heard in the jurisdictions where detainees are held, not in D.C. That’s not really a win or a loss—it’s just procedure.”
District Judge Shopping: A National Problem
The hosts and Morrissey agreed on the growing trend of “industrial-scale judge shopping” as a dangerous trend eroding public trust in the judicial system.
“It’s corrosive,” Morrissey said. “The Supreme Court needs to step in and set a precedent—or Congress needs to pass a law limiting nationwide injunctions by district judges.”
China Threatens Hollywood — and Ed’s Not Mad About It
With China floating the idea of banning U.S. films in retaliation for tariffs, Morrissey said it might actually be a blessing in disguise.
“Hollywood has spent the last decade rewriting scripts to appease the CCP,” Morrissey said. “Banning U.S. films could free Hollywood from that pressure—and maybe even revive some artistic integrity.”
He cited films like The Martian and 2012 as prime examples where Chinese characters are inserted as saviors at the expense of realism, all to curry favor with Chinese censors.
Disney’s ‘Snow White’ Disaster: A Cautionary Tale
Morrissey recently published a takedown of Disney’s live-action Snow White remake, which has bombed globally—earning just $1.2 million in China.
“It’s the laugh factory that keeps giving,” he joked. “The CGI looks awful. The actress Rachel Zegler shot her mouth off about politics before it even released, alienating audiences.”
Morrissey emphasized the collateral damage to thousands of behind-the-scenes professionals in the film industry.
“It’s not just actors and directors. It’s the costumers, the editors, the craft service people. When a movie loses hundreds of millions, it hurts the whole ecosystem.”
New Mexico’s National Guard Move Coming Soon
Before wrapping up, Morrissey teased an upcoming HotAir article on New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham’s decision to deploy the National Guard to deal with the fentanyl crisis. But there’s a catch.
“Wait until you see where she’s sending them. Let’s just say—it’s not where you’d think.”