First on FOX: The White House is taking a top-down approach to ensure Republicans are united in President Donald Trump's sweeping tariff plans.
US trade representative Jamieson Greer explained the administration's strategy to House Republican officials on Wednesday evening, Fox News Digital reported.
Greer opened the call, emphasizing that Trump is leading to the magnitude of economic change he hasn't seen since the post-World War II era.
He also said the US had been exposed to unfair trade practices for decades since lowering its own tariffs on other countries to strengthen global trade, Fox News Digital said.
Wall Street companies believe tariffs and trade wars will increase the risk of recession
US President Donald Trump keeps the charts when making mutual tariff comments at an event at Rose Garden entitled “Make America wealthy.” (Getty Images)
Greer, cited in Capitol Hill Aides, emphasizes that exemptions will be given for foreign products that include both Brazil and the European Union, but not twice the tax, and are already subject to US penalties.
The Office of Political Communications often holds coordinated messaging calls on key issues, but sources familiar with the issue told Fox News Digital that it was the first such communication policy call between the White House and House Republican staff.
The White House emphasizes the importance of tariffs on the Trump administration's policy platform as the GOP works to ensure a lockstep in messaging.
When contacted Fox News Digital's comments, White House officials stressed that the Trump administration is the most transparent in history and that the president would ensure that his allies are armed with the latest information.
And while the majority of Republicans praise Trump's move, some GOP lawmakers have at least acknowledged some concerns.
“I think it's defensible to the same tariffs they charge. We want a level playing field,” R-NEB. “The parts are from everything, so the car can be messy.”
Meanwhile, R-Maine Sen. Susan Collins spoke in support of a democratic bid to exempt Canada on the Senator's floor on Thursday, hours before Trump's official announcement.
US trade representative Jamieson Greer explained the administration's strategy to House Republican staff. (Rod Rankie/AP)
“Prices that occur in Maine families would be very harmful if every time you go to the grocery store you fill your gas tanks, fill your heating oil tanks, and these tariffs come into effect,” Collins specifically said of Canadian tariffs.
“And as always, as price increases will hurt those who can afford them the least amount of money. So I support this resolution and urge them to do so as well.”
However, another GOP MP who spoke with Fox News Digital on Thursday downplayed long-standing concerns.
“I think people will be fine as long as it's a short-term tool,” the GOP lawmaker said.
Calling Ralling House Gop Aides on Thursday evening, Rn.D. Rep. Julie Fedorchak sent a statement in support of Trump's move, but admitted she understood her concerns.
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“The United States is taking action to address decades of unfair trade barriers that put American manufacturers, producers and businesses at a major disadvantage. I support President Trump's efforts to create a level arena and his long-term strategy to strengthen our critical domestic supply chain,” Fedorchak said.
“At the same time, I recognize the challenges these tariffs pose to farmers and producers in North Dakota. I will continue to advocate for other policies that may expand the market opportunities for our products and raise other policies for producers.”
Many Republican lawmakers were in the White House to support Thursday's announcement, including R-LA speaker Mike Johnson.
Many Republican lawmakers were in the White House to support Thursday's announcement, including R-LA speaker Mike Johnson. (J. Scott Apple White/AP Photo)
“President Trump has sent a clear message on the day of liberation. America will no longer be exploited by unfair trade practices,” Johnson said in an official statement. “These tariffs restore fair and mutual trade and level the arenas of American workers and innovators. The President understands that free trade only works when it is fair!”
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R-Ariz, Trump's ally. “President Trump's mutual tariffs are a great economic strategy. Joe Biden left the United States with a trillion dollar trade deficit at the end of his administration.”
Fox News Digital also contacted the US Trade Office for comment but did not immediately respond.
Trump's plan includes a comprehensive 10% tariff on all foreign imports into the United States, and up to 50% tariffs on both enemies and allies.
They also introduce some degree of mutual tariffs in countries that tax US exports, but in most cases the US tax rate is lower than in foreign countries.
