Trump Doubles Steel Aluminum Tariffs 100%

President Trump is scheduled to sign a series of executive orders at 1:30 PM EST, a move that signifies a pivotal shift in his administration's policy direction. One of the most prominent actions includes an executive order that doubles the tariffs on steel and aluminum imports. This decision is rooted in the administration's strategy to safeguard domestic industries and enhance national security, as stipulated in Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act. The increased tariffs are anticipated to reshape global trade dynamics and could potentially strain relationships with key trading partners.

In addition to the tariff increases, Trump has issued a proclamation that imposes a travel ban on visitors from 12 foreign nations and restricts the travel rights of individuals from seven more countries. This travel ban, signed on his first day back in the White House, is intended to bolster national security by limiting the entry of individuals from countries considered to pose a risk. The ban has sparked debate and criticism, with some arguing that it unfairly targets certain regions and could have broader implications for international relations.

Furthermore, Trump has ordered an investigation into the executive actions and pardons issued by his predecessor, Joe Biden. This move is part of a broader effort to scrutinize the legitimacy of Biden's actions during his presidency, with a particular focus on the use of the autopen—a device that allows a person’s signature to be affixed automatically to documents. Trump has suggested that Biden's aides may have acted without his knowledge, potentially invalidating some of his executive decisions. Legal experts, however, remain skeptical about the legal implications of such an investigation, noting that it is more likely a political maneuver than a substantive legal action.

The investigation is expected to cover a range of Biden's actions, including pardons, executive orders, and other policy decisions. Trump has long questioned the legitimacy of certain pardons issued by Biden, particularly those granted to family members and administration officials. The use of the autopen, which has been recognized by both Democratic and Republican administrations, adds another layer of complexity to the investigation. Legal scholars have generally agreed that the use of an autopen is valid as long as it is directed by the president, but the investigation could still have political ramifications.

Trump's actions have been met with criticism from various quarters, with some arguing that they are politically motivated and lack substantive legal grounds. Biden, for his part, has dismissed the investigation as a mere distraction, asserting that he made all decisions during his presidency and that any suggestion otherwise is false. The investigation marks an unprecedented move by a sitting president to scrutinize the actions of a predecessor, raising questions about the boundaries of executive power and the potential for political retribution.

The signing of these executive orders and the initiation of the investigation into Biden's actions underscore Trump's aggressive approach to governance. His administration has been characterized by a series of bold and often controversial decisions, aimed at reshaping domestic and foreign policy. The impact of these actions remains to be seen, but they are likely to have far-reaching consequences for the country and its international relations.