Trump lays out aggressive international plans, revives tariffs
President Donald Trump announced on Monday that he would impose 25% tariffs on foreign steel and aluminum and additional tariffs on several countries. During a conference aboard Air Force One, Trump declared Tuesday "American Gulf Day" and discussed progress in talks with Russia regarding Ukraine.
Trump announced that as of Monday, tariffs on foreign steel and aluminum will increase by 25%. In the following days, he plans to raise tariffs on products from various unspecified countries to match those on American products.
Similar tariffs - 25% on steel and 10% on aluminum - were already imposed by Trump during his first term. However, Canada, Mexico, and Brazil were partially exempted, while under President Joe Biden, the European Union, Japan, and the United Kingdom were also exempted.
Trump announced these changes during a previously unannounced press conference aboard Air Force One, while en route from Florida to New Orleans for the Super Bowl, the final of the NFL football season. 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 February 9th as American Gulf Day.
Trump also touched on several other topics, including his talks with Vladimir Putin. The U.S. President admitted in an interview published on Saturday that he spoke with the Russian president. However, on Sunday he refused to specify when the conversation took place or how many times, although he mentioned making "progress" in talks with Russia.
Earlier on Sunday, National Security Advisor Mike Waltz stated that the president wants to end the conflict but emphasized that "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, leveling it, and rebuilding, so that people worldwide can live there. He also mentioned that "when it comes to rebuilding, he may hand over 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, assuring that they are not being killed - Trump promised, although he noted that "he is not in a rush" to realize 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 make Canada incapable of independent survival.
