U.S. President Donald Trump has signed new proclamations aimed at closing existing loopholes and reinstating a 25% tariff on steel, while also raising the tariff on aluminum to the same level. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed the decision during a press briefing on Wednesday, emphasizing that Trump’s actions are aimed at protecting U.S. industries.
“President Trump is taking bold steps to safeguard America’s vital steel and aluminum sectors, just as he did during his first term,” Leavitt said. “These proclamations close loopholes and reinstate the 25% tariff on steel, while also increasing the tariff on aluminum to 25%. The administration believes these tariffs will protect national security and prioritize American workers.”
In addition to the tariff announcements, Leavitt also confirmed the swearing-in of Tulsi Gabbard as the new Director of National Intelligence. Gabbard, a former Democratic representative from Hawaii, was confirmed by the U.S. Senate on Wednesday in a 52-48 vote, with some Republican senators joining Democrats in opposition.
Her confirmation, which was a contentious and divisive process, was shaped by concerns over her previous positions on surveillance, her past meetings with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, and her support for controversial figures such as Edward Snowden. Despite the objections, key Republican senators, including Susan Collins, Lisa Murkowski, and Todd Young, ultimately supported Gabbard’s nomination.
Leavitt stressed the importance of swiftly confirming the remainder of Trump’s cabinet nominees, describing Gabbard’s confirmation as a significant step for the administration. This marks Gabbard as Trump’s 14th confirmed nominee since the beginning of his second term.
While the tariff measures aim to fortify U.S. industry, the confirmation of Gabbard continues a series of high-profile appointments that have been met with both support and controversy within the Senate.
