Trump’s 10% Tariffs Will Remain Indefinitely—Even After Trade Deals, Press Secretary Says

Forbes - May 9th, 2025

President Donald Trump has decided to uphold a baseline 10% tariff on imported goods, even after reaching trade agreements with foreign governments. This decision, confirmed by White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, indicates that the tariffs, introduced as part of Trump's 'Liberation Day' initiative, will remain a permanent fixture in U.S. trade policy. This announcement suggests that the administration's approach to international trade will continue to be characterized by protectionist measures, despite ongoing negotiations with countries globally.

The implications of this decision are significant both domestically and internationally. Domestically, the maintenance of tariffs could impact consumer prices and domestic industries reliant on imported goods. Internationally, it may influence how other countries negotiate trade agreements with the United States, potentially leading to prolonged trade tensions. This move underscores the administration's commitment to a hardline trade strategy that prioritizes American manufacturing and job protection, potentially reshaping global trade dynamics.

White House Donald Trump Trade Policy Karoline Leavitt 10% Tariffs

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RATING

6.0

Moderately Fair

Read with skepticism

The article effectively highlights a significant policy decision by the Trump administration regarding tariffs, a topic of considerable public interest and timeliness. However, its reliance on a single perspective, lack of source diversity, and insufficient transparency limit its overall quality. While the article is generally clear and accessible, it could benefit from a more balanced presentation and deeper exploration of the issue's complexities. The story's potential to provoke discussion and influence opinion is notable, but its impact is constrained by the absence of comprehensive analysis and diverse viewpoints.

Accuracy

The story claims that President Trump intends to maintain a 10% baseline tariff on imported goods, even after trade deals are reached. This claim is largely accurate, as official sources confirm the imposition of a universal 10% tariff. However, the story's assertion of indefinite duration could be misleading without context, as the tariffs depend on the President's assessment of trade deficit threats. Additionally, the specific statement attributed to the White House Press Secretary lacks direct confirmation from official transcripts, requiring further verification.

Balance

The article primarily focuses on the White House's stance on tariffs, presenting a singular perspective. It does not explore opposing viewpoints or the potential economic impacts of the tariffs on various stakeholders, such as consumers, businesses, or foreign governments. This lack of diverse perspectives may lead to an imbalanced presentation, favoring the administration's narrative without adequately addressing the broader economic implications or criticisms of the policy.

Clarity

The article is generally clear in its language and structure, effectively communicating the main points regarding the tariffs. However, the lack of detailed explanation about the tariffs' implications and the absence of direct quotes or sources may confuse readers seeking a deeper understanding of the policy's nuances. The article could benefit from more explicit connections between claims and evidence to enhance clarity.

Source quality

The article cites a statement from the White House Press Secretary but lacks direct attribution to official documents or transcripts, reducing source reliability. The absence of diverse sources or expert analysis further diminishes the credibility, as it relies heavily on a single government perspective without corroborating evidence from independent or opposing viewpoints.

Transparency

The article does not provide sufficient context or methodology for its claims, particularly concerning the indefinite nature of the tariffs. It fails to disclose the basis for the Press Secretary's statement or the criteria used by the administration to assess the continuation of tariffs. This lack of transparency limits readers' understanding of the underlying factors influencing the policy and its potential impacts.