Tariff Pivot: Trump Moves to Ease Steel & Aluminum Levies Amid "Affordability Crisis"

​President Trump is reportedly planning to scale back some of his most aggressive steel and aluminum tariffs—which reached 50% in 2025—to combat rising household costs. $KITE

​The "Short List" Summary

​The Problem: High tariffs on metals have hiked prices for everyday items like food cans, pie tins, and appliances, fueling an "affordability crisis." $ZKC

​The Pivot: The administration is shifting from broad, industry-wide levies to targeted national security probes on specific products.

​The Relief: A review is underway to exempt essential consumer goods and halt further list expansions.

​The Strategy: By easing trade pressure on partners like the EU, Canada, and Mexico, the White House hopes to cool inflation before the November 2026 midterms. $C98

​Why it matters

​With a 59% disapproval rating on his handling of the cost of living (according to recent polls), this move represents a pragmatic shift for a president known for using tariffs as his primary economic weapon. By "surgicalizing" the tariffs, the administration aims to protect domestic manufacturing without further penalizing American shoppers.

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