The Section 301 investigation, originating from the US Trade Act of 1974, is infamous in international trade history. And the US Trade Act of 1974 is a US law which has no jurisdiction in other countries. In the past, the US government has used it as a tool to extort benefits from some of its trade partners. Now there are signs that it is targeting almost all of its major trade partners, which promises greater harm to the global economy and international trade. The US government should heed the lessons of history, as they show that protectionism will not help it achieve its goals.