Like clockwork in a predictable movie where the villain always falls through the same trapdoor, Democrats have once again chosen the path of obstruction rather than celebration when it comes to President Trump’s economic policies. The ink had barely dried on Trump’s announcement of a 90-day pause on certain reciprocal tariffs when the opposition party sprang into action with their familiar playbook of accusations and investigations.

This latest episode in the Democrats’ endless resistance saga comes after President Trump demonstrated the art of the deal by strategically pausing customized tariffs for most nations while maintaining maximum pressure on China. The move, designed to create space for negotiations with the more than 75 countries that have already reached out to the White House, represents exactly the kind of tactical flexibility that made Trump successful in business and his first presidential term.

Not surprisingly, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer immediately tried to characterize the pause as Trump “caving” rather than what it actually is – a master negotiator creating leverage. But Schumer’s mischaracterization pales in comparison to what his California colleague had in store.