It’s starting to appear that Trump may be changing his mind on the steel and aluminum tariffs that he’s been arguing for over the last few weeks.
First, NBC News announced that Trump’s scheduled announcement on the tariffs has been delayed:
A senior administration official tells @NBCNews that President Trump’s announcement of a plan to impose new tariffs has been delayed pic.twitter.com/Znx80Gwta7
— TODAY (@TODAYshow) March 8, 2018
But then a few minutes later, Trump seems to suggest that announcement is not delayed:
Looking forward to 3:30 P.M. meeting today at the White House. We have to protect & build our Steel and Aluminum Industries while at the same time showing great flexibility and cooperation toward those that are real friends and treat us fairly on both trade and the military.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 8, 2018
What’s interesting about Trump’s tweet is that he seems to be suggesting now that his tariffs won’t be as broad as what he’s been arguing for before, which is definitely a good thing. Perhaps he’s taking the advice of Congress afterall.
Even Jake Tapper believes Trump is talking exceptions now:
This would seem to suggest that, at least at this precise moment in time, the president is considering exceptions for the tariffs — https://t.co/6oJ9uHYGvc
— Jake Tapper (@jaketapper) March 8, 2018
But then just a few minutes ago, we get this tweet from another NBC reporter, suggesting that Trump’s tariffs will be largely symbolic:
A White House official tells me and @HallieJackson the details of any new tariff announcement are still being finalized. If a proclamation is signed it will be largely "symbolic."
— Kristen Welker (@kwelkernbc) March 8, 2018
At this point in time it does appear that Trump may in fact be backing off from his hardcore protectionist steel and aluminum tariffs. And I really hope this is the case.
But as with most things Trump, we probably won’t know for sure until it actually happens.