Sun Apr 13 14:30:00 UTC 2025: ## Trump Unexpectedly Pauses Tariffs, Sparking Congressional Outrage

**WASHINGTON, D.C.** – President Donald Trump’s surprise announcement of a 90-day pause on new tariffs against most nations sent shockwaves through Congress Wednesday, leaving U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer visibly unprepared during a House Ways and Means Committee hearing. The President simultaneously announced a steep increase in tariffs on Chinese imports to 125%.

The move, revealed via a Truth Social post, followed claims that over 75 countries had initiated trade negotiations, without retaliatory measures. Trump asserted that he lowered reciprocal tariffs for these countries to 10%, effective immediately. He later attributed the pause to widespread market anxiety, claiming people were becoming “yippy” and “afraid.”

Rep. Steven Horsford (D-Nev.) vehemently criticized Greer during the hearing, questioning whether the USTR was aware of the impending policy shift. Horsford’s incredulous reaction – punctuated by the phrase “W-T-F!” – highlighted the apparent lack of communication between the White House and its trade representative. He accused the administration of “amateur hour” and market manipulation, citing negative impacts on American consumers, including losses in retirement and college savings funds, as well as harm to small businesses.

Greer defended his testimony, stating that he does not disclose private conversations with the President. However, his testimony was clearly undermined by the unexpected presidential announcement. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, meanwhile, characterized Trump’s global trade war as a “successful negotiating strategy.”

The abrupt policy change has fueled criticism of the administration’s trade strategy and raised concerns about the lack of transparency and coordination within the government. The impact of this pause, along with the increased tariffs on Chinese goods, remains to be seen.

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