The tariffs that the US imposed on an extensive list of countries, which have staggered the markets and have surprised for their hardness, are the result of a decision made by President Donald Trump less than three hours before announcing them, following their own instinct, among various options presented by their advisors.
According to The Washington Postthat cites people who know the process who requested anonymity, advisors to several government agencies worked for weeks in the alternatives that Trump evaluated, who ultimately chose a formula based on two variables: the commercial deficit with each country and the total value of their exports to the US.
The media also indicates that although it is unknown who specifically presented the proposal chosen, it has similarities with a published during the first Trump government by Peter Navarro, its current economic advisor. The new tariffs have even surprised legislators of their own Republican party, who have expressed from nervousness to a direct opposition.
This week, Trump sharpened his commercial war with the imposition of a 10% global tariff for all imports, which increases to 34% in the case of China already 20% for the products of the European Union (EU), in addition to those applied to other minor partners.
The Washington Post It emphasizes that, despite the reactions that have caused the new tariffs in the markets, the criticisms of foreign leaders or the holders in the media, Trump remains firm in his decision to ensure what he considers his political legacy.
He is at the maximum point that nothing cares, he assured the Post A White House official.
Among those who accompanied Trump during the process – and who met tomorrow, afternoon and night – were important White House advisors headed by Navarro, the largest defender of aggressive measures; Scott Besent, Secretary of the Treasury; Howard Lutnick, Secretary of Commerce; Stephen Miller, Cabinet SubmEfe for policies; Kevin Hasett, director of the National Economic Council, and the Vice President, JD Vance.
In the first term, all the advisors thought they were presidents, said a senior White House official, who preferred to maintain anonymity. On this occasion there were not many internal struggles, because the team showed little opposition to a radical reform of commercial policy.
Among those who participated in the elaboration of the specific options for each country, which Trump then evaluated were officials of the National Economic Council of the White House, the Department of Commerce, the Council of Economic Advisors and the Office of the United States Commercial Representative.