Weekly civic intelligence report · v2.2
Trump's auto tariffs took effect, with analysis showing they could significantly increase vehicle ownership costs for consumers. The tariffs also benefited Tesla while affecting traditional automakers.
Auto tariffs represent legitimate policy action with real economic consequences (A=18.83), scoring moderately on capture (3) due to Tesla benefiting disproportionately, rule_of_law (2) for executive trade authority use, and corruption (1) for selective corporate advantage. However, media coverage heavily emphasizes consumer price impacts and market reactions (B=30.48), with high media_friendliness (4) due to stock market drops and relatable consumer costs. Layer 2 shows mismatch (3) between tariff policy complexity and simplified 'prices go up' framing, and pattern_match (3) fitting Trump-era trade war narratives. Five nearly identical headlines about ownership costs indicate coordinated messaging. D-score of -11.65 clearly places this as List B - substantial hype around a real but moderate constitutional impact, with intentionality indicators suggesting strategic amplification of economic fears.
Monitor actual implementation details, exemption processes, and whether Tesla's advantage stems from domestic production or preferential treatment. Track if consumer price increases materialize as predicted versus media projections. Distinguish between legitimate trade policy debate and manufactured economic panic.