Trump Vows Tariffs All Nations Ahead of April 2 'Liberation Day'

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has announced sweeping tariff measures that would apply to all countries without exception, calling April 2 the "Liberation Day" for the United States. The declaration marks a significant escalation in global trade tensions as Trump pushes for aggressive economic policies.

Trump's Global Tariff Plan

Speaking aboard Air Force One, Trump made it clear that his proposed tariffs would not be limited to a select group of nations but would target every country engaging in trade with the United States.

“We would start with all countries, so let’s see what happens,” Trump told reporters, according to AFP. The announcement contradicts earlier speculation that the new trade policies would primarily target countries such as China, Canada, and Mexico—nations with which the U.S. has long-standing trade imbalances.

Expansion Beyond the 'Dirty 15'

Initially, discussions in Washington revolved around imposing tariffs on a select group of nations, referred to as the “Dirty 15” by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. However, Trump dismissed the notion of limiting the tariffs to just a handful of countries.

“I haven’t heard any rumor about 15 countries, 10 or 15,” Trump said, reaffirming that his administration’s approach would be all-encompassing with “no cutoffs.”

Economic Impact and Justification

Trump framed the tariffs as a necessary step to counteract what he described as decades of economic exploitation of the U.S. by other nations. He argued that these measures, while stringent, would ultimately be beneficial to the American economy.

“They ripped us off like no country has ever been ripped off in history, and we’re going to be much nicer to them than they were to us,” he said. “But it’s substantial money for the country nevertheless.”

What’s Next?

With April 2 fast approaching, Trump’s bold economic stance has sparked global concern, particularly among major U.S. trade partners. The impact of a blanket tariff policy remains to be seen, but it is likely to heighten trade tensions and provoke retaliatory measures from affected nations.

As the world watches closely, Trump's "Liberation Day" could mark a turning point in international trade relations.