Trump mulls national economic emergency to enforce sweeping tariffs: Report

US President-elect Donald Trump

US President-elect Donald Trump is reportedly exploring the possibility of declaring a national economic emergency as a legal justification for imposing broad tariffs on both allies and adversaries, according to CNN, citing four sources familiar with the matter.

This move would allow Trump to introduce a comprehensive tariff program under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). The act grants the president broad authority to regulate imports during a national emergency.

One source noted that Trump is particularly drawn to this law because it provides significant power to impose tariffs without meeting stringent requirements to prove the measures are necessary for national security reasons.

Another source confirmed that declaring a national emergency has already been discussed, emphasizing that “nothing is off the table.”

However, no final decision has been made yet, as Trump’s team continues to evaluate other legal avenues to justify the sweeping tariffs he pledged during his campaign.

During his campaign, Trump vowed to impose a 10% tariff on global imports to the United States and a 60% tariff on Chinese goods once he officially took office on Jan. 20. He also threatened to introduce a 25% tariff on imports from Canada and Mexico on his first day in office, along with an additional 10% on Chinese goods.

Sources say discussions are ongoing, but the potential use of IEEPA underscores Trump’s commitment to delivering on his trade promises, which were a cornerstone of his election platform.