Kevin Hassett, Director of the National Economic Council, expressed strong confidence that the Trump administration's tariff policies will eventually prevail despite recent judicial setbacks. In an interview on Fox Business, Hassett affirmed the legality and necessity of tariffs as a tool to promote fair trade and protect American interests.
Hassett’s remarks come after judges at the U.S. Court of International Trade ruled that former President Trump had exceeded his authority in imposing certain tariffs. These tariffs targeted not only unfair trade practices abroad but also aimed to curb the flow of fentanyl flooding into the United States, which the Centers for Disease Control identifies as a leading cause of overdose deaths nationwide.
Responding to the ruling, Hassett criticized the judges, calling them "activist" and emphasizing the urgent nature of the fentanyl crisis. "The idea that the fentanyl crisis in America is not an emergency is so appalling to me," he said, anticipating an appeal that would overturn the decision.
While the administration has considered alternative trade law provisions to reinstate tariffs promptly, Hassett clarified that they currently prefer to wait for a reversal through the appeals process rather than pursue other measures. "We are very confident that this ruling is incorrect," he stated, underscoring ongoing efforts to maintain pressure during critical trade negotiations.
