Weekly civic intelligence report · v2.2
Economic experts expressed caution about U.S. 2026 growth forecasts amid concerns about Trump administration tariff policies. Reports indicated tariffs were creating uncertainty for business investment and economic expansion.
A-score (5.47): Tariff policy represents legitimate executive authority with modest constitutional implications. Rule_of_law (1) reflects standard policy implementation within executive powers. Capture (2) reflects potential corporate/industry influence on trade policy. Policy_change mechanism adds 15% modifier, federal scope adds 20%. Severity multipliers near baseline as tariffs are reversible policy tools. B-score (25.35): High media friendliness (7) - economic doom narratives are evergreen content. Strong mismatch (8) - 'tariff war' framing and 2026 forecasts create urgency around speculative impacts. Pattern_match (7) fits recurring 'economic crisis' media template. Moderate intentionality (8) - strategic amplification of uncertainty to drive engagement. D-score: -19.88 clearly indicates List B classification - distraction significantly exceeds constitutional damage.
Monitor for actual constitutional mechanisms (e.g., congressional authority challenges, separation of powers conflicts over trade policy). Current event is standard policy debate amplified through economic fear narratives. Track whether tariff implementation involves executive overreach beyond statutory authority or creates institutional capture patterns.