To make the case for his trade war with China, the president is relying on blatant falsehoods and misconceptions.

Last week, President Donald Trump increased tariffs on $200 billion worth of goods imported from China, the latest salvo in the administration’s months-long trade war with Beijing. On Monday, China said it would retaliate with tariffs on $60 billion worth of American products, warning that it would “never succumb to foreign pressure.”

Trump argued that additional tariffs were necessary to force concessions from the Chinese and would redound to the benefit of American manufacturers and the American economy. “Tariffs will bring in FAR MORE wealth to our Country than even a phenomenal deal of the traditional kind. Also, much easier & quicker to do,” he said in one of his numerous tweets on the subject. He added: “Tariffs will make our Country MUCH STRONGER, not weaker. Just sit back and watch!”