Trump teases new tariffs on steel and aluminum even as his staff remains deeply divided


President Trump declared Thursday morning that "we must not let our country, companies, and workers be taken advantage of any longer," indicating that a rumored announcement about new tariffs on steel and aluminum imports looks like it's a go this afternoon.
Just hours before, administration officials were reportedly "engaged in a fierce debate … about whether to make the announcement Thursday — or delay it altogether," Politico writes. The tariffs have split the administration into two camps: National Economic Council Director Gary Cohn, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, and Defense Secretary James Mattis are among those who have expressed opposition to the tariffs. Trump has remained in unwavering favor of implementing them, along with Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross, White House trade adviser Peter Navarro, and U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer.
Although there are a number of options on the table, a person familiar with Trump's thinking told Politico that the president likes the sound of a 25 percent tariff on steel imports and a 10 percent tariff on aluminum imports. Still, "tariffs can be challenged by other countries through a legal process, and many GOP lawmakers have warned the White House that [Trump] could trigger a trade war if this isn't properly vetted," The Washington Post writes.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Trump technically has until April 11 to make a decision on aluminum, and April 19 on steel, CNBC reports.
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
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.
-
July 13 editorial cartoons
Cartoons Sunday's political cartoons include new TSA rules, FEMA cuts, and Volodymyr Zelenskyy complimenting Donald Trump's new wardrobe
-
5 weather-beaten cartoons about the Texas floods
Cartoons Artists take on funding cuts, politicizing tragedy, and more
-
What has the Dalai Lama achieved?
The Explainer Tibet’s exiled spiritual leader has just turned 90, and he has been clarifying his reincarnation plans
-
Will Europe pivot to Asia on trade?
Today's Big Question It could be an attempt to sidestep the impact of Trump's tariffs
-
Dollar faces historic slump as stocks hit new high
Speed Read While stocks have recovered post-Trump tariffs, the dollar has weakened more than 10% this year
-
Higher toy prices from Trump's tariffs have arrived
In the Spotlight Three out of four toy products in the US come from China
-
'Tariff stacking' is creating problems for businesses
The Explainer Imports from China are the most heavily affected
-
Economists fear US inflation data less reliable
speed read The Labor Department is collecting less data for its consumer price index due to staffing shortages
-
Trump is trying to jump-start US manufacturing. Is it worth it?
Today's Big Question The jobs are good. The workers may not be there.
-
The UK-US trade deal: what was agreed?
In Depth Keir Starmer's calm handling of Donald Trump paid off, but deal remains more of a 'damage limitation exercise' than 'an unbridled triumph'
-
Tariffs were supposed to drive inflation. Why hasn't that happened?
Talking Points Businesses' planning ahead helped. But uncertainty still looms.