Senior officials within Donald Trump’s administration provided contradictory messages on Sunday regarding the US president’s global tariffs. These tariffs have caused a dramatic decline in stock markets, raised concerns about a potential global recession, and sparked rare dissent from within his Republican party.
Cabinet members appeared on Sunday’s political talk shows to address Trump’s 10% tariffs on nearly all US imports, with higher rates aimed at approximately 60 countries. However, their attempts to clarify the situation only led to further confusion, as the top officials offered starkly contrasting views.
Howard Lutnick, the billionaire commerce secretary, took an aggressive stance on CBS News’s Face the Nation, insisting that the tariffs would remain in place. When questioned about the possibility of postponement to allow for negotiations, Lutnick stated, “There is no postponing – they are definitely going to stay in place for days and weeks, that is sort of obvious.”
In contrast, other cabinet members suggested that negotiations with individual countries were still on the table. Scott Bessent, the treasury secretary, highlighted that over 50 countries have reached out to the administration regarding lower non-tariff trade barriers, reduced tariffs, and cessation of currency manipulation.
Brooke Rollins, the agriculture secretary, echoed Bessent’s statement by mentioning that numerous countries are actively seeking communication with the White House.
The extensive nature of Trump’s tariffs has sent shockwaves worldwide, catching US investors and top Republican politicians off guard. Within just two days, over $6tn was erased from Wall Street’s market value.
Trump urged US consumers to “hang tough,” stating that the outcome will be historic. However, as he spent the weekend golfing in Florida, the president’s unprecedented tax increase prompted senior Republicans to speak out in a rare display of criticism.
Mike Pence, Trump’s former vice-president, denounced the tariffs as the largest peacetime tax hike in US history. Senator Ted Cruz warned of a potential “bloodbath” for Republicans in the 2026 midterm elections if the tariffs lead to a recession. Senator Thom Tillis emphasized the potential harm to farmers, who are already on the brink of bankruptcy.
Democrats, sensing an opportunity in these challenges to Trump from within his own party, are positioning themselves for the midterm elections. Senator Adam Schiff stated that if the US enters a recession, it will be referred to as “Trump’s recession.”
Governor Tim Walz, a Democratic vice-presidential candidate in last year’s election, described the tariffs as “really, really terrifying” and warned that punishing dependable trading partners like Mexico and Canada could have long-lasting consequences.
Analysts are increasingly predicting the possibility of a recession, traditionally defined as two consecutive quarters of falling GDP. The head of economic research at JP Morgan, Bruce Kasman, has raised the likelihood of a global recession to 60%.
Larry Summers, former US treasury secretary, called the tariffs the “biggest self-inflicted wound we’ve put on our economy in history,” estimating the total loss to US consumers to be $30tn, equivalent to doubling petrol prices.
The Trump administration’s efforts to reassure rattled investors and consumers through rhetorical devices have had mixed results. Agriculture Secretary Rollins insisted that the markets are adjusting, not crashing. Treasury Secretary Bessent dismissed concerns about retirees who had seen significant drops in their savings, labeling it a “false narrative.”
The exchanges between Trump’s top officials and political show hosts have, at times, taken a surreal turn. Agriculture Secretary Rollins defended the imposition of tariffs on remote islands near Antarctica, stating that the individuals behind the policy are “serious, intentional, and patriotic.”
Jake Tapper, a CNN host, challenged Rollins’ justification for retaliatory tariffs imposed on EU goods sold to the US. Rollins accused the EU of using “fake science” to restrict US products, claiming that the US produces the “safest, most secure, and best food in the world.”
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/apr/06/trump-tariffs-administration-reacts
