Within the White House, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick is perhaps the biggest advocate of Liberation Day, and Donald Trump promised to announce the promotion of new tariffs on Wednesday. But as the day approaches, the potential impact of these tariffs is likely to free Lutnik from his role in the administration.
While Americans and much of the world may be suffering after imposing new tariffs, Trump’s track is ready to play the responsibility game if the White House is not going well. All fingers will be pointed at Lutnick, two people close to the government discussing private dynamics anonymously, they told Politico.
One said: “I think people will be particularly happy to blame him.”
The man said Lutnick spent a lot of time in the Oval Office hyping up the president’s tariff strategy and “give him bad advice – pushing for more aggressive tariffs.”
Finance Minister Scott Bessent remains a “measurement voice” that advocates targeted tariffs. Trade adviser Peter Navarro has never been shy about his feelings for tariffs, but he is a known quantity and is not seen as shaking anything. By contrast, Lutnick is in the words of someone familiar with this situation “a new voice on the table, pushing crazy shit on the table”. “I don't know anyone who isn't angry.”
“Every member of the Trump administration is ultimately aligned with the competitive environment for American industry and workers,” White House spokesman Kush Desai told Politico. “President Trump has convened the best and smartest trade team in modern American history to restart the greatness of America, who strive to follow the same script (President Trump's script) to provide efforts for the American people.”
A few weeks ago, Politico reports Among the White House staff and allies, Patience with Lutnick's patience was worn with his frequent television appearances and constant proximity to Trump. Now, as economic risks reach new heights, it is even more worn.
One White House ally said “everybody” in Washington is fearing what might happen on April 2.
Another said that the business world is not “optimistic” now. “They know that the tariffs are coming, and their hope is that the damage will be fast enough to be very large to quickly get the government backtracked.”
Meanwhile, Trump is intoxicated by uncertainty. A White House official said he “loves shock and awe” and aims to take advantage of it. “Every country needs to panic and call. … Trump wants to hear your grovel and say you will reach an agreement.”
Can Grooding change between now and “Liberation Day”?
“I think it depends.” “Some,” White House officials said. [nations] There were agreements before, and some people would not get a deal and would be smashed. Then we will see how quickly they start trading. ”
