MNI POLITICAL RISK -Trump Notes Possible Tariff "Disturbances"

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Executive summary:

• US President Donald Trump again made life difficult for Republican lawmakers by adding more demands to his tax agenda, pitching at his address to Congress a tax cut for companies manufacturing their goods in the US and suggesting interest payments on US-made autos should be deductible.
• Trump gave a boost to Senate Republicans by reiterating his support for making his 2017 tax cuts permanent in the GOP reconciliation bill – likely to require a risky move by Congress to cost the TCJA at zero dollars.
• Trump conceded that his tariff regime could prompt “a little bit of an adjustment period”.
• Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick appeared to open the door for tariff relief on Mexican and Canadian imports.
• Lutnick emphasised that the North American tariffs are about fentanyl. He said that “trade policy” will kick in on April 2 with Trump's reciprocal tariffs.
• Trump is likely to be under increasing pressure from Republican lawmakers representing agricultural and auto manufacturing states to lay out a long-term tariff strategy.
• Trump will meet Republican hardliners today to advocate for a Continuing Resolution to keep the government funded through the end of the fiscal year.
• Trump noted in his address to Congress that he “appreciated” an “important letter” from Zelenskyy, hinting he may be open to re-engaging with Ukraine on a mineral deal.
• Poll of the Day: A large majority of speech watchers approved of what they heard from Trump.

Please find the full article attached below: US DAILY BRIEF