Press Sec Karoline Leavitt Shares Big Update On Trump’s Plans
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt recently delivered a significant update regarding President Donald Trump’s forthcoming tariff policies.
Speaking on Fox News with hosts John Roberts and Sandra Smith, Leavitt confirmed that Trump’s reciprocal tariff policy will apply broadly to all nations rather than being limited to the 10 to 15 countries with the largest trade imbalances.
During the interview, Smith questioned Leavitt about concerns surrounding the tariffs:
“As we look at the overall tariffs situation it’s caused some uncertainty and President Trump does seem like he’s going full force ahead with all of this, talking about liberation day is coming so the UAW president said they support the tariffs as a tool but says other things don’t go up the window. There is some concern about the tariffs and what this would do for their ability to survive really. So what does the president think and what does he tell those who are concerned, certainly a market that looks concerned?”
Leavitt responded, stating, “President Trump doesn’t want American industries to survive. He wants them to thrive. That’s exactly what is tariffs and trade policy is going to do. Wednesday will be liberation day in America as President Trump has so proudly called it because he is going to end the decades of unfair trade practices that have been ripping off American workers. It’s hollowed out our middle class.”
She continued, emphasizing Trump’s vision for economic recovery: “Turn the American heartland into an American wasteland where jobs have gone overseas. Products are made with foreign hands instead of American hands. That is going to end on Wednesday. The rest of the world is going to feel what the American public has felt for decades. President Trump is going to ensure reciprocity, that other countries are being treated the way we’ve been treated. We are going to make America wealthy again with massive revenue.”
Leavitt further elaborated, “This will implement trillions and trillions of dollars back to the United States of America and we’ve already seen these investments pouring in. In just two months President Trump is secured more private investment within the Biden Administration did in four years. That doesn’t happen by luck or chance. That happens because we have a president who understands business and wants to put the American people’s interests first, wants to stand up for the American worker. More investments means more jobs and more prosperity for hardworking American families across our country.”
Trump has officially named Wednesday (April 2) “Liberation Day,” marking the announcement of his extensive tariff plan. Along with increasing tariffs on all Chinese imports, his administration has already imposed duties on steel, aluminum, and automobiles.
“You’d start with all countries,” Trump remarked to reporters aboard Air Force One. “Essentially all of the countries that we’re talking about.”
Although specific nations were not named, White House economics adviser Kevin Hassett recently indicated on Fox Business that tariffs would be aimed at 10 to 15 nations experiencing the most significant trade imbalances with the U.S.
Trump sees tariffs as a strategic tool to negotiate improved trade agreements and protect American industries from unfair international competition. He has committed to mirroring the tariffs that other nations impose on U.S. exports and has vowed to introduce reciprocal measures accordingly.
In February, Trump signed a memorandum instructing trade officials to compile a list of targeted countermeasures for each affected nation. He hinted last week that some tariffs might be adjusted to lower rates in certain circumstances, depending on negotiations.
Meanwhile, the British government is actively seeking a last-minute post-Brexit trade agreement with the U.S. to avoid or reduce tariffs on European imports. Since leaving the European Union in 2020, the U.K. has been striving to establish a new trade deal with the U.S., though talks had largely stalled under the previous administration.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer recently met with Trump at the White House and left the meeting optimistic about securing a deal. “We’re engaged in discussions with the United States about mitigating the impact of tariffs,” Starmer stated before the weekend.
Trump echoed this sentiment, indicating that a “great” deal was under discussion, potentially allowing the U.K. to sidestep some of the anticipated tariffs. British Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds traveled to Washington for further negotiations, while Trump and Starmer spoke again by phone to explore possible resolutions.
As April 2—Trump’s declared “Liberation Day”—approaches, negotiations are intensifying. Trump’s upcoming tariff measures are expected to target several major trading partners, including the U.K. and the European Union.
While tariffs have already been applied to imports from Canada, Mexico, and China, the EU and the U.K. have sofar avoided direct penalties. However, Trump has repeatedly suggested that such measures are imminent.
He has signaled his intent to impose substantial tariffs on imported vehicles and auto parts, with additional levies likely on other goods as well.
British Finance Minister Rachel Reeves has indicated that the U.K. does not wish to “escalate” trade tensions, a position that contrasts with the more aggressive responses from Canada and European nations, which have vowed to “retaliate” despite their existing tariffs on U.S. products.
For instance, the European Union currently levies a 10 percent tariff on American automobiles, whereas European vehicles entering the U.S. face only a 2.5 percent tariff. Trump’s policy aims to address these imbalances as part of his broader trade agenda.