The tariff chaos threat to the Trump agenda

Published March 12, 2025 12:01am ET



Another day, another threat of continued tariff chaos. This time, President Donald Trump announced an additional 25% to 50% tariff (the final number to be determined later!) on all Canadian aluminum and steel imports. This came after Ontario Premier Doug Ford said he would impose a 25% surcharge on electricity exports to Michigan, Minnesota, and New York. Ford was responding to Trump’s threat earlier this month of a 25% tariff on all Canadian goods even though these were suspended for 30 days.

Will Trump unsuspend his original 25% tariff and impose the new 25%-50% additional tariff? Will Ford follow through on his threat? Nobody knows, and nobody outside the White House seems to be enjoying the uncertainty. 

Already a print subscriber? Click here to login/register your account

Trusted reporting.Unlimited access.

Subscribe for full access to Washington Examiner coverage, expert political analysis, and subscriber-only journalism.

Get Unlimited Access

Already a member? Log in

Cancel anytime.