NEWS STORY : Trump Humiliated by Another Tariff U-Turn as US Reverses Course on Electronics Levies
STORY
In yet another dramatic reversal, the Trump administration has scrapped plans to impose sweeping tariffs on smartphones, laptops, and other electronic goods—just days after championing them as a cornerstone of his “America First 2.0” trade crusade. The decision, which blindsided Republican allies and delighted global markets, marks the second major tariff climb-down in as many weeks and has been widely described in Washington and abroad as a political embarrassment for former President Donald Trump, who is eyeing a return to the White House in November.
The now-abandoned tariffs, announced with typical fanfare during a campaign rally in Michigan, were intended to target Asian tech manufacturing hubs, including South Korea, Vietnam, and China. Trump claimed they would protect American jobs and “punish countries who cheat,” but the announcement triggered immediate backlash from US tech giants, Wall Street, and international trade partners. The proposed levies, which would have added up to 25% on imports of phones, tablets, and household electronics, were labelled “economic lunacy” by industry groups, with Apple and Samsung warning of price hikes and supply chain chaos in the run-up to Christmas.
Facing pressure from the tech industry, consumer advocacy groups, and even Republican governors concerned about inflation, Trump’s trade team issued a late-night statement on Friday confirming the tariffs would no longer go ahead. The statement cited “a re-evaluation of market dynamics” and “ongoing stakeholder consultations”—Washington code for “this went down like a lead balloon.”
Critics were quick to pounce on the retreat.
“This is a humiliation for Trump,” said Democratic Senator Maria Campbell. “You can’t play strongman one day and wave the white flag the next. It shows the chaos and incoherence of his entire trade agenda.”
Even some Republicans expressed frustration at the backpedal. “If we want to lead, we need clarity—not chaos,” said Senator Rick Burns, a long-time proponent of tough trade policies. “This does nothing for credibility.”
Across the Atlantic, European officials greeted the U-turn with a mix of relief and amusement. One senior UK trade official quipped, “It’s becoming hard to keep up. One day it’s a tariff war, the next day it’s a group hug. We’re just trying not to get caught in the crossfire.”
The White House has remained tight-lipped, with aides reportedly scrambling to contain the fallout. Sources close to the Trump campaign admitted privately that the proposal was “poorly timed” and “politically damaging.”
This latest U-turn follows hot on the heels of Trump’s embarrassing reversal on steel and car part tariffs—also scrapped after diplomatic uproar and pressure from American manufacturers.
Observers now question whether Trump’s “tough on trade” posture has any remaining credibility. “The pattern is clear,” said Dr. Lena Alvarez, an international trade analyst. “Bluster, backlash, backtrack.”
As Trump prepares for upcoming televised debates and eyes a second presidency, critics are warning voters to expect more volatility—and more headlines like this.
