Fact Check: "Trump plans to impose tariffs of 60 or 70% on some nations."
What We Know
On April 9, 2025, President Donald Trump announced a three-month window for countries to negotiate trade deals with the United States, warning that failure to do so would result in higher "reciprocal" tariffs. He indicated that these new tariffs could range from 10% to as high as 70% for certain nations, stating, "They’ll range in value from maybe 60% or 70% tariffs to 10% and 20% tariffs" (CNN). As the deadline approached, Trump reiterated that letters detailing the new tariff rates would be sent to 10 to 12 countries, with implementation expected by August 1, 2025 (Forbes).
Trump's previous tariffs had already reached as high as 50% on various trading partners, making the proposed 60% to 70% tariffs significantly higher (New York Post). The administration's approach has been characterized by a series of negotiations and threats, with Trump emphasizing that countries that fail to reach agreements would face these steep tariffs (Fortune).
Analysis
The claim that Trump plans to impose tariffs of 60 or 70% on some nations is substantiated by multiple reports from credible news sources. Trump's own statements during press conferences and interviews confirm his intention to implement these tariffs if negotiations do not yield satisfactory results. For instance, he explicitly mentioned the potential for tariffs as high as 70% during a briefing (Independent).
However, the reliability of the sources reporting on Trump's tariff plans varies. Major outlets like CNN, Forbes, and CNBC have a history of rigorous journalism and fact-checking, lending credibility to their reports. Conversely, while the New York Post and Independent also provide accurate information, they may have varying editorial slants that could influence the framing of the news. Overall, the consistency across multiple reputable sources supports the veracity of the claim.
Moreover, Trump's history of fluctuating tariff policies adds a layer of complexity. His administration has been known for frequent changes in trade policy, which raises questions about the final implementation of these tariffs (Forbes). Nonetheless, the current evidence strongly indicates that he is indeed planning to impose tariffs in the stated range.
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The evidence clearly shows that President Trump has announced plans to impose tariffs of 60% to 70% on certain nations, contingent upon the outcome of ongoing trade negotiations. His statements, corroborated by multiple reliable news sources, confirm this intention, making the claim accurate.
Sources
- Trump says he is about to raise tariffs as high as 70% on ...
- See Trump’s Major Tariff Flip-Flops—As President Floats 70% ...
- Trump begins rolling out 'reciprocal' tariffs of up to 70% ...
- Trump plans to start notifying countries of U.S. tariffs up ...
- Trump set to impose tariffs up to 70 percent on dozens of nations
- Trump says tariff letters to 12 countries signed, going out ...
- Trump vows tariff hikes of up to 70%, says nations will ...
