April 2 tariffs cause anxiety among Trump officials and allies
The president keeps surprising businesses and even some members of his own team with unexpected moves.
TroibNews 
Top White House and administration officials have been assuring businesses, consumers, and fellow Republicans of more “certainty” on trade in the near future, aiming to soothe jittery markets and prevent a repeat of the stock market decline that followed the initial tariff announcements from the White House.
However, their challenge lies with Donald J. Trump.
With Trump’s announcement of global tariffs set for April 2, which he has termed “Liberation Day,” even those closest to him—ranging from Vice President JD Vance to chief of staff Susie Wiles and his Cabinet—have privately expressed uncertainty about his next moves, according to three sources familiar with their discussions.
While some facets of the administration’s approach to what Trump calls “reciprocal tariffs” are beginning to emerge, the president has occasionally disrupted these plans or proposed conflicting policies, leaving both his advisors and allies in the dark.
“No one knows what the fuck is going on,” remarked a close ally of Trump’s inner circle, who spoke on condition of anonymity. “What are they going to tariff? Who are they gonna tariff and at what rates? Like, the very basic questions haven’t been answered yet.”
Indeed, while the White House is projecting confidence publicly, multiple administration officials, as well as prominent external allies, are privately worried that the upcoming rollout could mimic the chaotic unveiling of tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China on March 4, which exacerbated a stock market decline that started in mid-February. Although the S&P 500 has recovered some losses since then, all gains made since Election Day have been negated.
Part of the concern arises from Trump’s insistence on pursuing an extensive tariff strategy, aligning with the trade protectionists in his administration despite advice from other counselors regarding the potential negative economic consequences. According to the Commerce Department, inflation surged at a higher-than-anticipated rate last month, even before the expected price hikes due to the sweeping tariffs.
Moreover, the president has kept businesses—and even his own team—on edge with unexpected announcements.
On Wednesday, for instance, he revealed that the auto industry would be subjected to 25 percent tariffs. Although somewhat anticipated, the announcement was so hastily arranged that the White House was ill-prepared and had to reschedule afternoon events while finalizing the details, according to two sources familiar with the situation.
Additionally, the White House did not brief industry stakeholders domestically or internationally prior to the announcement, although a White House official contended that anyone "smart" would have anticipated it following Trump’s own public warning.
Publicly, White House officials are taking precautionary measures to avoid unsettling markets ahead of next week. The president has been indicating that the reciprocal tariffs expected on April 2 may not extend as far as initially suggested.
“I may give a lot of countries breaks,” Trump said. “We might be even nicer than that.”
On Wednesday, he reiterated this potential concession, telling reporters that people would be “pleasantly surprised” by the “somewhat conservative” tariffs.
However, behind the scenes, there is a palpable tension as even those close to the president await “Liberation Day” with bated breath. After all, Trump—who has called tariffs "the most beautiful word in the dictionary"—is unwavering in his intent to penalize countries he believes are exploiting the U.S.
“I think it would be a mistake to think next week all of a sudden we’re going to get a bunch of clarity,” said Tom Graff, chief investment officer at Facet. “I’m sure they’re trying to reset with financial markets and build some certainty, but I don’t think the president is going to have a personality transplant.”
“I think he wants to keep his options open,” Graff added.
In a series of statements, the White House and various Cabinet heads asserted that they are collaboratively working toward fulfilling Trump’s vision. “As the movie ‘Drumline’ goes, ‘one band, one sound,’” stated White House senior trade and manufacturing adviser Peter Navarro.
"We are the greatest economic team and April 2nd will be a historic day for American workers," Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick declared.
White House spokesperson Kush Desai remarked that “President Trump has been unequivocally clear for decades about the need to revitalize American industry and restore American Greatness” and emphasized that “every member of the Trump administration is aligned on delivering on this vision with an America First agenda of tariffs, deregulation, the unleashing of American energy, and tax cuts.”
Some of the uncertainty arises from Trump at times seeming to undermine his own team. Following recent statements from Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Trump economic adviser Kevin Hassett that indicated only about 10 or 15 countries—coined the “dirty 15” by Bessent—would face reciprocal tariffs, Trump remarked Wednesday that all countries would be subject to tariffs.
Similarly, Trump contradicted Lutnick, who had suggested earlier this month that Canada and Mexico might avoid the full 25 percent tariffs Trump threatened related to border security and fentanyl. Sources indicated that Lutnick was acting independently and had been instructed to stay on message. Trump eventually imposed tariffs on these two North American neighbors on March 4, but soon exempted certain goods and rolled back parts of the announcement the following day, resulting in confusion among businesses and investors regarding the new tariffs.
Trump has consistently altered the scope, targets, and timelines of his tariffs at a speed that disorients stakeholders. Duties he promised to implement on Canada and Mexico on Day One of his presidency shifted through various deadlines, with the latest plans postponed to April 2. Uncertainty remains regarding which parts of these tariffs—potentially affecting over $1 trillion of trade—will be implemented next week.
The magnitude of the proposed reciprocal tariffs, which the administration claims it is calculating based on how individual trading partners treat U.S. imports, could also fluctuate. Administration officials have communicated to foreign diplomats that these tariffs are intended as a starting point for negotiations, leaving American businesses unsure about which tariffs may ultimately take effect.
Trump has also threatened to enact tariffs on critical industries—including pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, copper, and lumber—starting April 2, yet recent indications suggest these might be delayed.
“We may have sectoral tariffs on April 2, and we may not,” a White House official, speaking anonymously to address ongoing discussions, stated on Monday. “No final decisions have been made yet on sectoral tariffs being tacked onto” the reciprocal tariff announcement next week.
The president’s variable objectives have made planning difficult, as Cabinet officials have privately indicated. In recent conversations, Lutnick reassured U.S. trading partners that he would give them advance notice the day before April 2, but cited the fluidity of the details as a challenge for previewing. Bessent has acknowledged to others that the final tariff framework remains a moving target.
Moreover, internal uncertainty stems from a rift within the administration over tariff strategy, with competing factions vying to influence Trump in recent weeks. Bessent, Wiles, and Vance—who has ambitions of running for president in 2028—have urged a more restricted approach to tariffs, or implored for swift and methodical decision-making to aid businesses in planning.
Conversely, figures like Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and Navarro are reportedly championing Trump’s longstanding pro-tariff stance.
These divisions have led to friction within the administration. While Navarro is a staunch proponent of tariffs, Lutnick—who enjoys a personal rapport with Trump—appears to endorse whatever course Trump decides to take, a dynamic that has frustrated others within the Cabinet.
“He goes into the Oval and tells the president whatever he wants to hear,” remarked the aforementioned White House ally, labeling Lutnick a “fucking nightmare” for his lack of consideration of the economic repercussions.
In the weeks since, the more tariff-cautious faction in the administration has attempted to temper Trump’s inclination for broad, indiscriminate tariffs. Those worried about sweeping tariff measures fear they could destabilize the economy mere months after voters elected Trump, hoping for economic growth. There are concerns that tariffs will be passed on to consumers, exacerbating costs at a time when polls indicate voters believe Trump is neglecting the cost of living crisis. Consumer sentiment continues to decline significantly, according to the latest University of Michigan survey.
Concerns also exist regarding the potential impact of tariffs on millions of jobs and businesses. For instance, questions loom about how American car manufacturers will manage with disrupted supply chains.
Others are apprehensive that the political fallout could threaten Republican control of Congress in the upcoming midterms.
“If tariffs did have an inflationary impact—or impact on interest rates that caused inflation and the economy moved toward a recession—that would be a very bad thing in my judgment,” warned Sen. John Kennedy. “It would turn the Trump presidency from a four-year term into a two-year term because we’d lose in the midterms.”
The dilemma faced by Trump’s advisors and Republican leaders is that the president remains unconcerned about these warnings. He has long held the belief that other nations are taking advantage of America and that tariffs will usher in a period of economic prosperity, dismissing economists’ cautions. Despite many lawmakers attempting to reframe his tariff enthusiasm as a strategic negotiation tactic, the truth remains that Trump genuinely supports the protectionist policies endorsed by advisers like Navarro, a figure distrusted by most Republicans. Additionally, Trump perceives tariff measures as popular among voters.
“This is Trump, not anyone else,” remarked Sen. Josh Hawley when asked about the driving force behind tariff decisions. Sen. Mitch McConnell stated last week, “We don’t have the ability to do anything other than complain, which I did.” Sen. Mike Crapo, who oversees trade policy in the Senate, disclosed this week that he has yet to discuss tariffs with Trump.
Some in the administration still cling to the hope that forthcoming trade reports mandated by a Day One executive order and due April 1 will push Trump to narrow his focus further. Others close to the president have speculated that his vested interest in the stock market could become a mitigative factor. Nonetheless, Trump has so far remained steadfast.
“The president isn’t looking at it like they are,” noted one individual close to Trump’s inner circle. “For [him], if the economy tanks, then fine, the economy tanks—because the president truly believes that it will rebound and that countries will yield under pressure from the U.S.”
Regarding potential political repercussions, this source continued: “No. 1, the president is not running for reelection—so where this may have been a political concern in his first term, it’s not a political concern now... And No. 2, we’re probably gonna lose the House in the midterms.”
How candidly Trump’s advisors have shared their fears with him remains uncertain. One outside ally close to Trump’s team mentioned that even senior advisors tend to avoid delivering news the president might find unfavorable, whereas another argued that Trump simply isn’t absorbing the warnings.
“I don’t think it’s like no one wants to tell Trump the bad, the hard news,” this outside ally commented. “I think people have tried to have a conversation with him, and he’s dead set on it. He’s a true believer.”
Emily Johnson for TROIB News
However, their challenge lies with Donald J. Trump.
With Trump’s announcement of global tariffs set for April 2, which he has termed “Liberation Day,” even those closest to him—ranging from Vice President JD Vance to chief of staff Susie Wiles and his Cabinet—have privately expressed uncertainty about his next moves, according to three sources familiar with their discussions.
While some facets of the administration’s approach to what Trump calls “reciprocal tariffs” are beginning to emerge, the president has occasionally disrupted these plans or proposed conflicting policies, leaving both his advisors and allies in the dark.
“No one knows what the fuck is going on,” remarked a close ally of Trump’s inner circle, who spoke on condition of anonymity. “What are they going to tariff? Who are they gonna tariff and at what rates? Like, the very basic questions haven’t been answered yet.”
Indeed, while the White House is projecting confidence publicly, multiple administration officials, as well as prominent external allies, are privately worried that the upcoming rollout could mimic the chaotic unveiling of tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China on March 4, which exacerbated a stock market decline that started in mid-February. Although the S&P 500 has recovered some losses since then, all gains made since Election Day have been negated.
Part of the concern arises from Trump’s insistence on pursuing an extensive tariff strategy, aligning with the trade protectionists in his administration despite advice from other counselors regarding the potential negative economic consequences. According to the Commerce Department, inflation surged at a higher-than-anticipated rate last month, even before the expected price hikes due to the sweeping tariffs.
Moreover, the president has kept businesses—and even his own team—on edge with unexpected announcements.
On Wednesday, for instance, he revealed that the auto industry would be subjected to 25 percent tariffs. Although somewhat anticipated, the announcement was so hastily arranged that the White House was ill-prepared and had to reschedule afternoon events while finalizing the details, according to two sources familiar with the situation.
Additionally, the White House did not brief industry stakeholders domestically or internationally prior to the announcement, although a White House official contended that anyone "smart" would have anticipated it following Trump’s own public warning.
Publicly, White House officials are taking precautionary measures to avoid unsettling markets ahead of next week. The president has been indicating that the reciprocal tariffs expected on April 2 may not extend as far as initially suggested.
“I may give a lot of countries breaks,” Trump said. “We might be even nicer than that.”
On Wednesday, he reiterated this potential concession, telling reporters that people would be “pleasantly surprised” by the “somewhat conservative” tariffs.
However, behind the scenes, there is a palpable tension as even those close to the president await “Liberation Day” with bated breath. After all, Trump—who has called tariffs "the most beautiful word in the dictionary"—is unwavering in his intent to penalize countries he believes are exploiting the U.S.
“I think it would be a mistake to think next week all of a sudden we’re going to get a bunch of clarity,” said Tom Graff, chief investment officer at Facet. “I’m sure they’re trying to reset with financial markets and build some certainty, but I don’t think the president is going to have a personality transplant.”
“I think he wants to keep his options open,” Graff added.
In a series of statements, the White House and various Cabinet heads asserted that they are collaboratively working toward fulfilling Trump’s vision. “As the movie ‘Drumline’ goes, ‘one band, one sound,’” stated White House senior trade and manufacturing adviser Peter Navarro.
"We are the greatest economic team and April 2nd will be a historic day for American workers," Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick declared.
White House spokesperson Kush Desai remarked that “President Trump has been unequivocally clear for decades about the need to revitalize American industry and restore American Greatness” and emphasized that “every member of the Trump administration is aligned on delivering on this vision with an America First agenda of tariffs, deregulation, the unleashing of American energy, and tax cuts.”
Some of the uncertainty arises from Trump at times seeming to undermine his own team. Following recent statements from Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Trump economic adviser Kevin Hassett that indicated only about 10 or 15 countries—coined the “dirty 15” by Bessent—would face reciprocal tariffs, Trump remarked Wednesday that all countries would be subject to tariffs.
Similarly, Trump contradicted Lutnick, who had suggested earlier this month that Canada and Mexico might avoid the full 25 percent tariffs Trump threatened related to border security and fentanyl. Sources indicated that Lutnick was acting independently and had been instructed to stay on message. Trump eventually imposed tariffs on these two North American neighbors on March 4, but soon exempted certain goods and rolled back parts of the announcement the following day, resulting in confusion among businesses and investors regarding the new tariffs.
Trump has consistently altered the scope, targets, and timelines of his tariffs at a speed that disorients stakeholders. Duties he promised to implement on Canada and Mexico on Day One of his presidency shifted through various deadlines, with the latest plans postponed to April 2. Uncertainty remains regarding which parts of these tariffs—potentially affecting over $1 trillion of trade—will be implemented next week.
The magnitude of the proposed reciprocal tariffs, which the administration claims it is calculating based on how individual trading partners treat U.S. imports, could also fluctuate. Administration officials have communicated to foreign diplomats that these tariffs are intended as a starting point for negotiations, leaving American businesses unsure about which tariffs may ultimately take effect.
Trump has also threatened to enact tariffs on critical industries—including pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, copper, and lumber—starting April 2, yet recent indications suggest these might be delayed.
“We may have sectoral tariffs on April 2, and we may not,” a White House official, speaking anonymously to address ongoing discussions, stated on Monday. “No final decisions have been made yet on sectoral tariffs being tacked onto” the reciprocal tariff announcement next week.
The president’s variable objectives have made planning difficult, as Cabinet officials have privately indicated. In recent conversations, Lutnick reassured U.S. trading partners that he would give them advance notice the day before April 2, but cited the fluidity of the details as a challenge for previewing. Bessent has acknowledged to others that the final tariff framework remains a moving target.
Moreover, internal uncertainty stems from a rift within the administration over tariff strategy, with competing factions vying to influence Trump in recent weeks. Bessent, Wiles, and Vance—who has ambitions of running for president in 2028—have urged a more restricted approach to tariffs, or implored for swift and methodical decision-making to aid businesses in planning.
Conversely, figures like Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and Navarro are reportedly championing Trump’s longstanding pro-tariff stance.
These divisions have led to friction within the administration. While Navarro is a staunch proponent of tariffs, Lutnick—who enjoys a personal rapport with Trump—appears to endorse whatever course Trump decides to take, a dynamic that has frustrated others within the Cabinet.
“He goes into the Oval and tells the president whatever he wants to hear,” remarked the aforementioned White House ally, labeling Lutnick a “fucking nightmare” for his lack of consideration of the economic repercussions.
In the weeks since, the more tariff-cautious faction in the administration has attempted to temper Trump’s inclination for broad, indiscriminate tariffs. Those worried about sweeping tariff measures fear they could destabilize the economy mere months after voters elected Trump, hoping for economic growth. There are concerns that tariffs will be passed on to consumers, exacerbating costs at a time when polls indicate voters believe Trump is neglecting the cost of living crisis. Consumer sentiment continues to decline significantly, according to the latest University of Michigan survey.
Concerns also exist regarding the potential impact of tariffs on millions of jobs and businesses. For instance, questions loom about how American car manufacturers will manage with disrupted supply chains.
Others are apprehensive that the political fallout could threaten Republican control of Congress in the upcoming midterms.
“If tariffs did have an inflationary impact—or impact on interest rates that caused inflation and the economy moved toward a recession—that would be a very bad thing in my judgment,” warned Sen. John Kennedy. “It would turn the Trump presidency from a four-year term into a two-year term because we’d lose in the midterms.”
The dilemma faced by Trump’s advisors and Republican leaders is that the president remains unconcerned about these warnings. He has long held the belief that other nations are taking advantage of America and that tariffs will usher in a period of economic prosperity, dismissing economists’ cautions. Despite many lawmakers attempting to reframe his tariff enthusiasm as a strategic negotiation tactic, the truth remains that Trump genuinely supports the protectionist policies endorsed by advisers like Navarro, a figure distrusted by most Republicans. Additionally, Trump perceives tariff measures as popular among voters.
“This is Trump, not anyone else,” remarked Sen. Josh Hawley when asked about the driving force behind tariff decisions. Sen. Mitch McConnell stated last week, “We don’t have the ability to do anything other than complain, which I did.” Sen. Mike Crapo, who oversees trade policy in the Senate, disclosed this week that he has yet to discuss tariffs with Trump.
Some in the administration still cling to the hope that forthcoming trade reports mandated by a Day One executive order and due April 1 will push Trump to narrow his focus further. Others close to the president have speculated that his vested interest in the stock market could become a mitigative factor. Nonetheless, Trump has so far remained steadfast.
“The president isn’t looking at it like they are,” noted one individual close to Trump’s inner circle. “For [him], if the economy tanks, then fine, the economy tanks—because the president truly believes that it will rebound and that countries will yield under pressure from the U.S.”
Regarding potential political repercussions, this source continued: “No. 1, the president is not running for reelection—so where this may have been a political concern in his first term, it’s not a political concern now... And No. 2, we’re probably gonna lose the House in the midterms.”
How candidly Trump’s advisors have shared their fears with him remains uncertain. One outside ally close to Trump’s team mentioned that even senior advisors tend to avoid delivering news the president might find unfavorable, whereas another argued that Trump simply isn’t absorbing the warnings.
“I don’t think it’s like no one wants to tell Trump the bad, the hard news,” this outside ally commented. “I think people have tried to have a conversation with him, and he’s dead set on it. He’s a true believer.”
Emily Johnson for TROIB News
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