US President-elect Donald Trump is reportedly considering declaring a national economic emergency to justify imposing global tariffs on imports from both allies and adversaries, CNN reported Wednesday citing sources familiar with the discussions.
The move would enable Trump to use the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, which gives the president the power to regulate imports during a national emergency, to build a new tariff program.
A source told CNN: “There is nothing on the table,” confirming that the idea of declaring a national emergency had been discussed.
Trump, who takes office on January 20, has pledged to implement a 10% tariff on global imports, a 60% tariff on Chinese goods, and a 25% tariff on imports from Canada and Mexico, starting on his first day in office.