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.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
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.
-
The Week contest: Werewolf bill
Puzzles and Quizzes
By The Week US Published
-
'This needs to be a bigger deal'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
Magazine solutions - November 29, 2024
Puzzles and Quizzes Issue - November 29, 2024
By The Week US Published
-
US charges Indian tycoon with bribery, fraud
Speed Read Indian billionaire Gautam Adani has been indicted by US prosecutors for his role in a $265 million scheme to secure solar energy deals
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
What's next for electric vehicles under Trump?
Today's Big Question And what does that mean for Tesla's Elon Musk?
By Joel Mathis, The Week US Published
-
Boeing machinists approve contract, end strike
Speed Read The company's largest union approved the new contract offer, ending a seven-week strike
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
US economy still strong in final preelection report
Speed Read It grew at a solid 2.8% annual rate from July through September
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Boeing machinists reject deal, continue strike
Speed Read The rejection came the same day Boeing reported a $6.2 billion quarterly loss
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Ports reopen after dockworkers halt strike
Speed Read The 36 ports that closed this week, from Maine to Texas, will start reopening today
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Would Trump's tariff proposals lift the US economy or break it?
Talking Points Economists say fees would raise prices for American families
By Joel Mathis, The Week US Published
-
Empty-nest boomers aren't selling their big homes
Speed Read Most Americans 60 and older do not intend to move, according to a recent survey
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published