Trump could start a massive global trade war within days

A steelworker walks through a Los Angeles high-rise.
(Image credit: David McNew/Getty Images)

President Trump has reportedly overruled the judgment of nearly two dozen of his top officials and Cabinet members and is poised to raise tariffs on certain imports to as high as 20 percent, a decision that is likely to spark a massive global trade war that would affect not just China, but American allies from Japan to the United Kingdom. Trump's final decision, "with a potentially profound effect on U.S. economic and foreign policy, will be decided in coming days," Axios writes.

Trump could raise steel tariffs to 20 percent, even as his decision is likely to spark a court injunction from the affected industries, Axios reports. Aluminum, semiconductors, paper, and certain household appliances could also be affected.

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Jeva Lange

Jeva Lange was the executive editor at TheWeek.com. She formerly served as The Week's deputy editor and culture critic. She is also a contributor to Screen Slate, and her writing has appeared in The New York Daily News, The Awl, Vice, and Gothamist, among other publications. Jeva lives in New York City. Follow her on Twitter.