The countdown has begun. At a high-stakes press briefing on April 1, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt made it clear: “The days of America being ripped off are over.” With President Donald Trump poised to unveil a sweeping tariff policy on April 2—dubbed “Liberation Day”—the administration is making a firm statement on trade. The core message? Manufacture in America and avoid tariffs; produce elsewhere and expect to pay the price.
Standing at the White House podium, Leavitt described the president’s aggressive new trade approach as a defining moment for American industry.
“Starting tomorrow, America will no longer be taken advantage of,” she stated. “Under President Trump’s leadership, American businesses and workers will come first—just as he pledged on the campaign trail.”
She emphasized that the tariffs are designed to enhance U.S. competitiveness, shrink trade deficits, and bolster national security. “The concept is simple—if your product is made in America, there are no tariffs.”
Confirming that the tariffs will take effect as scheduled on April 3, Leavitt suggested the changes would be significant. “The president has made his decision, and he will announce it tomorrow,” she said. “He is currently finalizing the details with his trade and tariff team to ensure this deal is the best possible outcome for the American people and workers.”
While the specifics remain undisclosed, reports indicate that up to 20% of imported goods could be subject to tariffs, with a separate 25% tariff on auto imports also set to take effect on April 3.
Leavitt noted that multiple countries have already reached out, but she made it clear where the president’s priorities lie: “The only country President Trump is focused on is the United States of America.”
When asked about potential impacts on the stock market and retirement savings, she reassured Americans: “Just as in his first term, Wall Street will be just fine.”
Trump’s ultimate goal, she concluded, is to “bring back America’s Golden Age and reestablish the nation as a manufacturing superpower.”
