Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt Briefs Members of the Media, Apr. 8, 2025

White House Press Briefing – Summary for Blog Use
Date: April 2, 2025
Topic: President Trump’s Economic and National Security Agenda

Opening Announcements:

• April 14: President Trump will meet with President Bukele of El Salvador to discuss the use of El Salvador’s supermax prison for MS-13 and Trende Aragua gang members.

• April 17: Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni of Italy will visit the White House.

• Trump also approved emergency declarations for Arkansas, Kentucky, and Tennessee due to severe flooding and storms.

Supreme Court Ruling:

• The Supreme Court upheld Trump’s authority under the Alien Enemies Act, allowing the continued deportation of violent foreign gang members.

• The administration called it a "smackdown" of judicial activism from a lower court judge.

Liberation Day & Economic Policy:

• Trump declared that the era of American economic surrender is over.

• The U.S. will impose reciprocal tariffs on nations that unfairly tax or block American goods.

• Since the announcement, nearly 70 countries have reached out to negotiate new trade deals.

Major Global Trade Actions:

• Israel agreed to eliminate trade deficits and remove trade barriers.

• Talks are ongoing with Japan, South Korea, and others.

• Nations that previously exploited U.S. trade policies are being called to the table.

• Trump emphasized: “America does not need the world as much as the world needs America.”

Economic Momentum:

• Jobs Report: 228,000 new jobs were added—nearly 100,000 more than expected.

• $1.5 trillion in new private investment has been secured in 11 weeks.

• $5 trillion in foreign investment is expected soon.

• Deregulation efforts have saved Americans over $180 billion.

• A “one big beautiful bill” is being worked on to implement the largest tax cut in U.S. history.

Energy & Manufacturing:

• Trump’s “Drill, Baby, Drill” energy policy will boost energy independence, reduce costs, and restore coal and natural gas jobs.

• Apple, Nvidia, and other major companies are investing billions in U.S. manufacturing.

• Trump vowed to bring iPhone manufacturing back to America through advanced technology and workforce readiness.

Tariff Implementation:

• A 10% baseline tariff is now in effect across the board.

• Countries that wish to lower or negotiate must reach out—phones are “ringing off the hook.”

• China will face a 104% tariff starting tonight at 12:01 a.m. unless they negotiate.

• Trump remains open to fair trade deals, but only if they benefit American workers.

Other Key Points:

• Trump warned of consequences for Venezuela over oil exports.

• The administration continues to monitor Iran’s nuclear talks and will provide updates after direct discussions.

• Some concerns were raised over Justice Amy Coney Barrett’s ruling, but the administration celebrated the overall Supreme Court victory.

• Dignified military transfers and foreign policy decisions remain ongoing, including discussion of the potential deportation of violent criminals, even American citizens if legally permitted.

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Final Notes:

• Trump’s team is focused on reviving U.S. industry, ensuring legal immigration, and putting American workers first.

• Press questions covered topics from foreign aid to AI manufacturing and bipartisan economic goals.

• More updates are expected during Trump’s 3:00 p.m. signing ceremony in the East Room.