By an International Correspondent, The Merit Newspaper
Washington, D.C. – February 10, 2025 – The administration of President Donald Trump has announced a 25% tariff on all steel and aluminum imports, a move aimed at protecting domestic industries and addressing trade imbalances. The decision was disclosed by President Trump while speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on his way to the Super Bowl.
The tariff imposition is expected to impact global trade relations, with economic analysts predicting possible retaliatory measures from key trade partners. The administration, however, maintains that the move is necessary to strengthen American manufacturing and reduce reliance on foreign imports.
In a related development, the Trump administration has unveiled plans to significantly downsize the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). According to sources, the agency’s workforce will be reduced from approximately 14,000 employees to just 300. This drastic measure has drawn criticism from Democrats and international aid organizations, who argue that such a move could cripple vital humanitarian and development programs worldwide.
Legal challenges are already emerging as stakeholders push back against what they describe as an unprecedented attempt to restructure a key federal agency. The administration, however, remains firm on its decision, emphasizing the need for a leaner government and a reevaluation of America’s role in global aid initiatives.
These actions mark another significant shift in Trump’s second-term policies, reflecting his continued push for economic nationalism and a streamlined federal government. Observers say the coming weeks will be crucial as opposition mounts and the administration defends its latest policy moves.
