Trump Declares 'Liberation Day' with Sweeping Tariffs, Ignites Global Economic Turmoil
Analysis of Executive Order 14257
Authoritarian RiskRationale
The tariff imposition through unilateral executive order without legislative oversight raises concerns about economic control and potential retaliation from trading partners. This action threatens fair economic systems and could worsen wealth inequality, as it disproportionately affects specific sectors and communities.
On April 2, 2025, President Donald Trump proclaimed 'Liberation Day' by signing Executive Order 14257, imposing a universal 10% tariff on all imports and higher 'reciprocal' tariffs on 57 countries. This unilateral move, justified as a response to a 'national emergency' over trade deficits, triggered a global stock market crash and widespread economic instability. Critics argue that the tariffs were based on flawed calculations and have undermined international trade relations, leading to retaliatory measures from key trading partners.