WASHINGTON – U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick downplayed the impact of recent legal uncertainty surrounding U.S. tariffs on ongoing trade negotiations with the European Union, stating during an interview Sunday that discussions remain active.
Speaking on Fox News Sunday, Lutnick addressed a Reuters report quoting an unnamed EU official who suggested that the U.S. court ruling on tariffs gave the EU added leverage in the negotiations.
“You can't listen to silly people making silly comments,” Lutnick said. “All of the countries that are negotiating with us understand the power of Donald Trump and his ability to protect the American worker.”
The comments follow a ruling by a U.S. trade court last week, which blocked a large portion of former President Donald Trump’s tariffs, determining he had overstepped his authority by imposing blanket duties on imports. However, a federal appeals court later paused that decision, allowing the tariffs to remain in effect pending an appeal from the Trump administration.
Lutnick acknowledged that the ruling caused a brief disruption. “Maybe it cost us a week, but then everybody came right back to the table,” he said, adding that negotiations resumed swiftly.
President Trump and his advisers reported that several countries reached out following the ruling, with talks continuing to progress. In late May, Trump had threatened to impose 50% tariffs on all European goods by June 1, but later extended the deadline to July 9 to allow further negotiations.
Additionally, Trump announced plans to raise tariffs on imported steel and aluminum from 25% to 50%. In response, the European Commission expressed strong regret and indicated it may consider countermeasures.
White House economic adviser Kevin Hassett, speaking on ABC’s This Week, defended the administration's stance, citing national security concerns.
“We have to show strength,” Hassett said. “We have to have a steel industry that's ready for American defense.”
Source; Reuters
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