Economists say Trump’s second-term tariffs, if carried out as promised, could put even more downward pressure on the economy, because he’s framed them as across-the-board, rather than targeted to particular consumer products or commodities.

Howard Lutnick, President Donald Trump’s nominee to lead the Commerce Department, offered a detailed defense of tariffs in his confirmation hearing, the clearest signal yet from a cabinet pick that the new administration is prepared to impose the levies on allies and adversaries alike.

President Donald Trump’s nominee to lead the Commerce Department, Howard Lutnick, told senators the argument that tariffs cause inflation is "nonsense" during a confirmation hearing.