Tariff Reprieve for Canada and Mexico Sparks Debate
Trump 2nd Term: President Donald Trump is standing by his decision to temporarily pause tariffs on Canadian and Mexican imports, reversing his earlier stance after imposing historic levies earlier this week. The move comes amid concerns over economic instability and a sharp market downturn.
Speaking with reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump insisted that tariffs remain a powerful economic tool, calling them the “greatest thing we’ve ever done as a country.”
“It’s going to make our country rich again,” Trump said. “We have many companies, auto companies especially, that are expanding. We’ve already seen four or five major announcements, and there’s more to come.”
Trump pointed to Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company’s $100 billion investment in U.S. manufacturing as proof that tariffs are driving economic growth.
Uncertainty Over Ukraine Aid
While addressing trade policy, Trump was pressed on whether he would resume U.S. aid to Ukraine if a minerals deal is signed.
“Well, I think they will sign the minerals deal,” Trump said. “I want them to want peace.”
He further claimed that Ukraine has not demonstrated a commitment to peace, suggesting that the situation will become clearer in the coming days.
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HHS Employees Offered $25,000 Buyout Amid Workforce Cuts
In an unrelated move, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) offered buyouts of up to $25,000 to federal employees on Friday.
Sources revealed that nearly 80,000 civilian workers from agencies such as the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, the National Institutes of Health, and the FDA received the offer.
This directive aligns with Trump’s broader effort to reduce the federal workforce, with an Office of Personnel Management memo outlining plans for large-scale layoffs and restructuring by March 13.
Trump Expects Ukraine to Sign Rare Earth Minerals Deal
Speaking on Fox News’ “Sunday Morning Futures”, Trump expressed confidence that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will finalize a rare earth minerals deal with the U.S.
“Yeah, I think so. I think it’ll happen,” Trump stated.
However, he remained noncommittal on continued U.S. support for Ukraine’s war efforts, stating:
“Well, it may not survive anyway, but you know, we have some weaknesses with Russia.”
Trump Explains Tariff Pause for Mexico and Canada
Trump’s recent phone conversation with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum led to a temporary suspension of 25% tariffs on imports from Mexico and Canada under USMCA.
During his Fox News interview, Trump explained his reasoning:
“Because I wanted to help Mexico and Canada to a certain extent. I wanted to help the American car makers until April 2.”
The pause, he clarified, is only temporary, with full reciprocal tariffs set to take effect on April 2.
“April 2, it becomes all reciprocal. What they charge us, we charge them. But I felt it would be fair to give a short reprieve to help the American automakers transition,” Trump explained.
When asked what happens after April 2, Trump was firm:
“I’m not doing this again. I told them, ‘I’ll do it this one time, but after that, no more breaks.’ They needed help with the transition period, and I gave it to them.”
Future of U.S. Tariffs Remains Uncertain
Despite providing temporary relief, Trump hinted at potential tariff increases in the future.
“We may go up with some tariffs. It depends. We may go up. I don’t think we’ll go down,” he remarked.
As the April 2 deadline approaches, businesses are watching closely to see whether Trump follows through with reciprocal trade measures—or alters course once again.
