Today I'm defending America's national security by placing tariffs on foreign imports of steel and aluminum." Anticipating attacks on that legal basis, a senior administration official insisted the rationale was "unassailable" and stressed that national security includes both national defense and economic security. "Our economy and our national security are strengthened by fostering free trade with our allies and promoting the rule of law." Advisers were prepared with a largely symbolic memo declaring Trump's intent to take action on steel tariffs in case a more substantive order wasn't final. "I'll have a right to go up or down, depending on the country, and I'll have a right to drop out countries or add countries," Trump said.

Source: CNN March 08, 2018 14:45 UTC