The media is causing chaos over Trump’s tariffs but refuses to give him time.
In a tense exchange with the press on Tuesday, Peter Navarro, Senior Counselor to the President for Trade and Manufacturing, sharply rebuked a reporter questioning President Donald Trump’s evolving tariff policy. The incident unfolded after Navarro confirmed that Trump had announced a 50% tariff on Canadian steel and aluminum, but noted that the tariff would not be enacted following a decision by Ontario Premier Doug Ford to suspend a proposed 25% surcharge on electricity exports to the U.S.
The reporter, working for Sky News UK, repeatedly questioned the consistency of Trump’s approach to tariffs, citing frequent changes in policy. As the exchange grew more heated, Navarro grew visibly frustrated. “The president is negotiating strategically,” Navarro responded, urging the reporter to refrain from continuing with what he described as “rhetoric.” When the reporter again suggested that Trump was constantly altering his position on tariffs, Navarro shot back, “Stop that crap! That’s a bunch of crap.”
Despite the ongoing tension, Navarro stood firm, maintaining that the shifting tariff policy was part of Trump’s negotiation strategy. He rejected claims that the President’s approach was negatively affecting the stock market, despite the reporter’s assertion that it was causing volatility. “It’s not causing havoc,” Navarro insisted, attempting to steer the conversation back to the larger goals of Trump’s trade strategy.
As the press conference grew more chaotic, Navarro made it clear that he would only continue to engage with reporters if they behaved civilly. “I can either stay here and answer your questions, and you can be civil about it, or you can hector me like this,” he warned.
In a final update, the White House confirmed that Trump’s 25% tariff on steel and aluminum imports would still go into effect for Canada and other trading partners on March 12, as previously scheduled.
