Trump’s Tariff Maneuvers, Guided by the Principle of Reciprocity, Are Succeeding, Despite Critics

Bessent and other officials maintain that levies are being adjusted not to retaliate, but to expedite negotiations.

AP/Jacquelyn Martin
Treasury Secretary Bessent speaks to reporters outside the West Wing of the White House, April 9, 2025. AP/Jacquelyn Martin

The abbreviated but sufficient summary of President Trump’s recent trade initiatives is that he set out to address the annual trade deficit of over $1 trillion by tentatively raising American tariffs toward or in some cases above the tariffs currently imposed by all other substantial trading countries on the United States. This is largely the unexceptionable principle of reciprocity. 

Have an account? Log In

To continue reading, please select:

Limited Access

Enter your email to read for FREE

Get 1 FREE article

Continue with
or
Unlimited Access

Join the Sun for a PENNY A DAY

$0.01/day for 60 days

Cancel anytime

100% ad free experience

Unlimited article and commenting access

Full annual dues ($120) billed after 60 days

By continuing you agree to our
Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.
Advertisement
The New York Sun

© 2025 The New York Sun Company, LLC. All rights reserved.

Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. The material on this site is protected by copyright law and may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used.

The New York Sun

Sign in or  Create a free account

or
By continuing you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use