In a bold move that could shake the global automobile industry, U.S. President Donald Trump has reintroduced his aggressive tariff policy, imposing a flat 25% tariff on all foreign-made automobiles. Speaking from the Oval Office, Trump framed the decision as a step toward economic independence, declaring, "This is the beginning of Liberation Day in America."
Trump justified the tariffs by accusing foreign carmakers of exploiting the U.S. market, stating, "We're going to charge countries for doing business in our country and taking our jobs, taking our wealth… Frankly, friends have been much worse than foes."
Under the new policy, any car not manufactured in the U.S. will face a steep 25% tariff, compared to the previous 2.5% rate. However, vehicles produced domestically will remain tariff-free, a move that Trump believes will incentivize automakers to shift production to American soil.
Citing Honda’s investment in one of the largest U.S. plants, he warned automakers: "A lot of foreign car companies are going to be in great shape because they've already built their plant. If you don't, you’ll be paying a big price."
The announcement comes amid a separate controversy involving highly classified U.S. war plans against the Houthis in Yemen. Reports suggest that Atlantic's Editor-in-Chief, Jeff Goldberg, was accidentally added to a Signal text chain discussing the top-secret operation, leading to a major security breach.
