Yesterday, the White House announced that U.S. President Donald Trump will implement reciprocal tariffs immediately upon today’s announcement. During the briefing, Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt reaffirmed that the reciprocal tariffs would take effect as soon as Trump announces them.
Leavitt explained that today’s historic action by the President aims to boost American competitiveness across all sectors, reduce the large trade deficit, and ultimately protect the U.S. economy and national security. She added that starting tomorrow, America’s days of being taken advantage of will end.
Earlier, the White House announced that Trump plans to deliver a speech today at 4 pm (EST) in the White House Rose Garden at the event titled “Make America Wealthy Again.” This announcement strongly suggests that Trump will use this opportunity to unveil the reciprocal tariffs.
Regarding the proposed 20% flat reciprocal tariff rate, Leavitt stated that the President made his decision yesterday but refrained from providing specifics, saying that the details would be available within 24 hours. On this matter, The New York Times (NYT) and The Washington Post (WP) reported that the White House is considering a 20% flat tariff on nearly all U.S. imports as one of the options under review.
Addressing potential changes to the reciprocal tariffs, Leavitt commented that the ultimate change will occur when companies decide to do business in the U.S., as there would be no tariffs at that point. When asked if Trump would be open to negotiations should other countries express a willingness to adjust their tariffs on U.S. goods, she replied that the president is always open to taking calls.
Responding to concerns that Trump’s reciprocal tariff policy might trigger a stock market downturn, Leavitt assured that the President is working daily to address those concerns. She also outlined the Trump administration’s plans for additional tax cuts benefiting retirees.
