WASHINGTON, D.C. — March 25, 2025
President Donald Trump and his administration are preparing to roll out a new tariff plan starting April 2, a date he has referred to as “Liberation Day.” The proposal could include a two-step strategy that uses emergency authorities to impose immediate duties while more formal trade investigations are launched.
According to sources familiar with the discussions, officials are exploring options to ground Trump’s “reciprocal” tariff policy within a robust legal framework. One objective of the plan is to raise revenue, potentially supporting future tax cuts.
Trump stated on Monday that the new tariffs on trading partners will be “substantial,” though he also indicated that some countries may be granted exemptions. “They’ve charged us so much that I’m embarrassed to charge them what they’ve charged us,” he said. The comment followed his announcement of new tariffs targeting countries that import oil from Venezuela.
Emergency Legal Tools Under Consideration
Officials are reviewing rarely used statutes such as:
- The International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA)
- Section 338 of the Tariff Act of 1930, which allows tariffs of up to 50%
- Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974, permitting temporary tariffs up to 15% for 150 days
Sources say the administration is also considering reviving a national security study on automotive imports, which could allow the imposition of tariffs on foreign-made vehicles as early as this week.
The administration appears split on the path forward. While some members favor an immediate tariff rollout using executive powers, others are pushing for formal trade investigations under Section 301, a process that could take several months but would provide legal durability.
Key Officials and Legal Strategy
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick has served as a lead negotiator, emphasizing trade deficits and tax policies of foreign partners. Meanwhile, U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, a former aide to ex-Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer, is focusing on ensuring legal consistency for any new measures. Greer is reportedly advocating for launching formal investigations before applying tariffs.
White House spokesperson Kush Desai stated, “Although the final reciprocal tariff plan for April 2 has yet to be unveiled by President Trump, every member of the Trump administration is aligned on finally leveling the playing field for American industries and workers.”
International Response and Lobbying Efforts
The announcement has prompted a wave of diplomatic outreach. The United Kingdom is considering adjustments to its tax policies on U.S. technology companies in response to the planned tariffs. European Union Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič is scheduled to meet with Lutnick and Greer for negotiations on Tuesday.
Trump’s tariff policy has previously included broad measures such as a 25% tariff on steel and aluminum imports and retaliatory threats on products like French wine. While some tariffs were quickly rolled back under pressure from the business community, the upcoming April 2 plan is expected to mark a broader shift in U.S. trade policy.
