US imposes new tariffs, sparking global reactions and protests

• The 10% baseline tariff to the United States is officially underway. Companies bringing foreign goods into the country will have to pay the tax to the government.
• Japan’s Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu plan to discuss the tariffs with Trump, while companies like Jaguar Land Rover are pausing U.S. shipments to mitigate the impact.
• Protesters around the globe are voicing opposition to the policy changes with slogans advocating for democracy and freedom.

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The 10% baseline tariff to the United States is officially underway. Companies bringing foreign goods into the country will have to pay the tax to the government.

Early Saturday morning, April 5, President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social, urging Americans to “Hang tough.” The president added, “it won’t be easy, but the end result will be historic. We will make America great again.”

Global leaders, companies react

Japan’s Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba plans to hold a phone call with Trump after the White House announced a 24% tariff on Japanese imports to the U.S. Speaking on Yomiuri TV, Ishiba suggested Japan would not retaliate.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu plans to meet with Trump on Monday, April 7, to discuss tariffs. Israel is one of about 60 countries facing higher tariffs from the U.S., with a 17% levy on Israeli imports to take effect April 9.

Meanwhile, the maker of Jaguar and Land Rover cars announced Saturday it is pausing U.S. shipments to mitigate the impact of a 25% tax on vehicle imports imposed by the Trump administration. “The USA is an important market for JLR’s luxury brands,” Jaguar Land Rover Automotive said in a statement.

Protests erupt at home and abroad

Protests are scheduled for Saturday in all 50 states and Washington D.C. against the recent tariffs.

The protests aren’t limited to the U.S., as hundreds of anti-Trump Americans living in Europe gathered in Berlin, Frankfurt, Paris and London to voice opposition to Trump’s policy changes. About 200 people, mostly American, gathered on Paris’ Place de la République, listening to speeches and waving banners with messages such as “Resist Tyrant,” “Rule of Law,” “Feminists for Freedom not fascism,” and “Save Democracy.”