Trump eyes ‘reciprocal’ trade deals over flat fee tariffs

“We’re going to have tariffs, mostly reciprocal tariffs … probably reciprocal tariffs where a country pays so much or charges us so much and we do the same, so very reciprocal because I think that’s the only fair way to do it. That way no one is hurt. They charge us, we charge them”

President Donald Trump said Friday he was considering reciprocal trade deals with countries rather than flat fee tariffs on imported goods from other countries.

Trump touted tariffs throughout his campaign and during his inauguration said tariff revenue would make the U.S. “rich as hell.” He also said that tariff revenue would lower the tax burden on American taxpayers.

On Friday, the president said he would announce reciprocal trade agreements next week with multiple countries. His remarks came during a news conference with Japan Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba.

“The United States will be conducting trade with all countries based on the principle of fairness and reciprocity,” Trump said.

The president said that chronic trade deficits undermine the U.S. economy.

“We’re going to have tariffs, mostly reciprocal tariffs … probably reciprocal tariffs where a country pays so much or charges us so much and we do the same, so very reciprocal because I think that’s the only fair way to do it. That way no one is hurt. They charge us, we charge them,” Trump said.

Trump said the reciprocal trade deals seem to be the path forward rather than flat fee tariffs. He said he would be announcing trade deals as early as Monday or Tuesday.

On Feb. 1, Trump hit Mexico and Canada with 25% tariffs and levied an additional 10% tariff on China. Two days later, Trump suspended tariffs on the U.S. neighbors for 30 days after reaching preliminary deals with both Mexico and Canada. The leaders of both neighboring countries promised to strengthen border security. China responded with limited tariffs on U.S. goods and filed a complaint about Trump’s unilateral trade move with the World Trade Organization.

Most economists have panned Trump’s tariff plans. On Thursday, S&P Global, a credit-rating agency, reported the potential effects of Trump’s tariffs were “overwhelmingly negative.” S&P analysts said the tariffs could slow gross domestic product growth, boost unemployment and inflation. It noted that “the effects on the U.S. are smaller than for trading partners.” Gross domestic product, or GDP, is a measure of economic output. S&P noted the uncertainty around Trump’s tariff plans creates problems for businesses and U.S. families.

“Uncertainty around the path of U.S. policy and its objectives is high, and confidence bands around our forecasts are correspondingly wide,” according to the S&P report. “Moreover, the ongoing deal-making mode of the new administration risks complicating long-term decision making by both firms and households.”

Brett Rowland

Investigative Reporter

Related Topics:#BrettRowland #TheCenterSquare TrumpTariffs USFlatFeeTariffs USTradeRelations

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Kennedy to cut 10,000 HHS employees to reduce ‘bureaucratic sprawl’

Published on March 27, 2025

Todayville

From The Center Square

By Brett Rowland

The changes are expected to reduce the agency’s headcount from 82,000 to 62,000 full-time employees.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced a significant restructuring of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services on Thursday in a move to streamline the huge federal agency and cut costs.

Kennedy plans to trim about 10,000 employees from the agency’s workforce in addition to employees who left as part of a Deferred Resignation Program, similar to a buy out, earlier this year. The move is expected to save about $1.8 billion.

Kennedy said the restructuring won’t affect the agency’s critical services. When combined with HHS’ other efforts, including early retirement, the changes are expected to reduce the agency’s headcount from 82,000 to 62,000 full-time employees. The restructuring will also align the department with Kennedy’s goals for a healthier U.S. population.

“We aren’t just reducing bureaucratic sprawl. We are realigning the organization with its core mission and our new priorities in reversing the chronic disease epidemic,” Kennedy said. “This Department will do more – a lot more – at a lower cost to the taxpayer.”

Kennedy also said the restructuring of the department’s 28 divisions will get rid of redundant units, consolidating them into “15 new divisions, including a new Administration for a Healthy America, or AHA, and will centralize core functions such as Human Resources, Information Technology, Procurement, External Affairs, and Policy.” Regional offices will be reduced from 10 to 5.

The overhaul will implement the new “HHS priority of ending America’s epidemic of chronic illness by focusing on safe, wholesome food, clean water, and the elimination of environmental toxins. These priorities will be reflected in the reorganization of HHS.”

Kennedy also said the restructuring would improve taxpayers’ experience with HHS by making the agency more responsive and efficient. He also said the changes would ensure that Medicare, Medicaid, and other essential health services remain intact.

The Administration for a Healthy America will combine multiple agencies – the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health, Health Resources and Services Administration, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, and National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health — into a single, unified entity, Kennedy said.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will get the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response, which is responsible for national disaster and public health emergency response.

“Over time, bureaucracies like HHS become wasteful and inefficient even when most of their staff are dedicated and competent civil servants,” Kennedy said. “This overhaul will be a win-win for taxpayers and for those that HHS serves.”

Among the cuts: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration will shed about 3,500 full-time employees. Officials said the reduction won’t affect drug, medical device, or food reviewers, nor will it impact inspectors. The CDC will drop about 2,400 employees. The National Institutes of Health will cut about 1,200 employees. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services will cut about 300 employees. The reorganization won’t affect Medicare and Medicaid services, officials said.