Claim:
Donald Trump has announced that the U.S. will double tariffs on imported steel and aluminum to 50%, effective June 4, 2025.
Verdict: True but Contextual
Former President Donald Trump, now in his second term, has publicly declared that the U.S. will increase tariffs on steel and aluminum imports from 25% to 50%, starting Wednesday, June 4, 2025. However, the implementation details, scope of affected countries, and long-term impacts remain under negotiation.
What We Found:
- Trump’s Public Announcement:
- While speaking to blue-collar workers at a US Steel facility in Pennsylvania on May 30, 2025, Trump said: “We’re going to bring it from 25% to 50%, the tariffs on steel into the United States of America. Nobody’s going to get around that.”
- He reiterated on Truth Social that the same would apply to aluminum imports.
- Effective Date:
- Trump stated the tariffs will become effective Wednesday, June 4, 2025, just days after the speech.
- Tariffs as a Trade Tool:
- Since his return to office in January 2025, Trump has revived aggressive trade strategies from his first term.
- His administration has already targeted automobiles and other sector-specific goods.
- US Steel–Nippon Deal Complications:
- Trump hinted at supporting a revised deal with Japan’s Nippon Steel, stating it would include:
- A $2.2 billion investment in the Mon Valley Works-Irvin Plant.
- $7 billion more to modernize mills and mining.
- No job losses or outsourcing.
- However, Trump has not yet formally approved the deal and bipartisan concerns persist.
- Trump hinted at supporting a revised deal with Japan’s Nippon Steel, stating it would include:
- Union Opposition:
- The United Steelworkers (USW) union criticized the lack of transparency and consultation, raising concerns over:
- National security
- Impact on American jobs
- Control by a foreign company
- The United Steelworkers (USW) union criticized the lack of transparency and consultation, raising concerns over:
Conclusion:
The claim that Trump will double tariffs on steel and aluminum to 50% is true, but the broader policy implications are still evolving. While the move signals a strong protectionist stance, questions remain over enforcement, international trade consequences, and the fate of the US Steel-Nippon partnership.