United States of America

Trump Unveils 'Liberation Day' Tariffs

APR 2 2025·Updated APR 3 2025

Story

Above: US President Donald Trump holds a chart as he delivers remarks on reciprocal tariffs during an event in the Rose Garden entitled "Make America Wealthy Again" at the White House in Washington, DC, on April 2, 2025. Image credit: BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/Contributor/AFP via Getty Images

The Facts

U.S. President Donald Trump announced sweeping new tariffs during a press conference, dubbed "Make America Wealthy Again," in the White House Rose Garden on Wednesday.
CNBC
The Times (UK)
The White House had confirmed that any tariffs announced during the conference would take immediate effect, with Trump naming the date of the event "Liberation Day."
EuroNews
Truthsocial
Trump announced that the U.S. would impose a range of different levies on foreign countries, including a 34% tariff on China, a 20% duty on EU goods, and a 10% baseline tariff on all countries.
The Telegraph
Independent
In his speech, Trump claimed that the U.S. had been "looted, pillaged, raped, and plundered by nations near and far" but vowed that "it's our turn to prosper." He asserted that his tariff policy would "make America great again, greater than ever."
The Telegraph
Independent
The European Union and Canada have already indicated they will respond with retaliatory measures. President Ursula von der Leyen stated that "All instruments are on the table," while Prime Minister Mark Carney swore to reject "all attempts to weaken Canada."
European Commission
Youtube
Trump has already implemented several tariffs in 2025, including a 25% duty on automobile, steel, and aluminum imports. The president also announced 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico, though these have been delayed, in addition to a flat 20% levy on Chinese goods.
The White House
The White House

Sources Split

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The Spin

Anti-Trump narrative

This tact from Donald Trump is familiar, and it's one that leads the U.S. down a road to failure. His tariffs didn't revitalize U.S. manufacturing the first time around, and they won’t now. Instead, his chaotic trade policy will drive up consumer costs, increase inflation, and bring America to the brink of recession.

MS Now

CNN

Pro-Trump narrative

"Liberation Day" will mark the moment the United States takes a stand for its trade interests, ushering in a new golden age. For decades, past presidents have allowed the U.S. to be exploited in a global trade war against it. President Trump, with bold determination, has rejected this failed approach and is committed to securing a fair deal for America and the American worker.

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