Trump unveils 25% tariffs; eyes new American Gulf holiday
President Donald Trump announced that on Monday, he would impose 25% tariffs on foreign steel and aluminium, along with additional tariffs on several countries. During a conference aboard Air Force One, Trump declared Tuesday as "American Gulf Day" and spoke about progress in discussions with Russia regarding Ukraine.
Trump announced that as of Monday, tariffs on foreign steel and aluminium will increase by 25%, and in the coming days, he will raise tariffs on products from several unspecified countries to the level of those on American products.
Similar tariffs - 25% on steel and 10% on aluminium - were already imposed by Trump during his first term, but Canada, Mexico, and Brazil were partially exempted. Under President Joe Biden, the European Union, Japan, and the United Kingdom were also exempted.
Trump announced these changes during an unexpected press conference aboard Air Force One, en route from Florida to New Orleans for the Super Bowl, the final of the American NFL football league. The occasion for the conference, held while flying over the Gulf of Mexico (renamed the American Gulf by Trump), was the signing of a proclamation by Trump establishing 9th February as American Gulf Day.
Trump also touched on several other topics, including his discussions with Vladimir Putin. The U.S. President admitted in an interview published on Saturday that he spoke with the Russian president, but on Sunday he declined to specify when the conversation took place or how many times, although he mentioned "progress" in talks with Russia.
Earlier on Sunday, National Security Advisor Mike Waltz stated that the president wants to end the conflict, but "security guarantees (for Ukraine) will be entirely left to the Europeans."
The plan to take control of the Gaza Strip
Trump also reiterated his plan for U.S. control of the Gaza Strip. The President confirmed that he intends to pursue this plan, which would involve taking ownership of the territory, levelling it with the ground, and rebuilding, so people from across the world can reside there. He also mentioned that "when it comes to rebuilding, he may transfer sections (of Gaza) to other Middle Eastern countries."
We will take care of the Palestinians. We will ensure that they live beautifully, in harmony and peace, making sure that they are not being killed - Trump promised, though he noted that "he is not in a rush" to realise his vision.
The President once again expressed his desire to incorporate Canada as the 51st state of America, claiming that it is dependent on trade with the U.S. and asserting that through tariffs and other means, he would be able to make Canada incapable of independent survival.
