Thu Apr 10 11:45:13 UTC 2025: ## Trump U-Turns on Tariff Plan, Announces 90-Day Pause

**WASHINGTON D.C.** – In a dramatic reversal, President Donald Trump announced a 90-day pause on nearly all country-by-country tariffs, a decision that follows days of denials from the White House. Just two days prior, Trump and his administration vehemently dismissed reports suggesting a tariff delay as “fake news.”

The initial tariff plan, unveiled on April 2nd, sparked turmoil in global markets. When directly questioned about a potential pause on April 7th, Trump explicitly denied considering such a move. The White House echoed this denial, with Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stating that the President “expects that these tariffs are going to go into effect.” Even reports of a potential 90-day pause were actively dismissed as false by White House officials and amplified on social media.

However, on April 9th, Trump took to Truth Social to announce a 90-day pause on most tariffs, reducing them to 10%. He justified the sudden change by citing numerous calls from over 75 countries seeking negotiation, noting that only China had not engaged in talks. China, however, will face a significantly increased tariff of 125 percent.

The shift in policy triggered immediate market fluctuations. While the S&P 500 experienced a 9.5 percent increase on the day of the announcement, it remains significantly down from its February peak.

Trump attributed the decision to a need for “flexibility,” comparing the situation to navigating a wall. He revealed that discussions with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick over the preceding days influenced his decision. The President suggested the final decision was made early on the morning of the announcement.

Economists have previously expressed skepticism that the revenue generated by tariffs would offset the increased costs to consumers. While the Trump administration has suggested that tariff revenue could lead to federal tax cuts, such claims remain highly contested.

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