Donald Trump’s announcement to raise tariffs on steel and aluminum imports from 25% to 50% marks a significant escalation in US trade protectionism. Unveiled at United States Steel Corp. $X near Pittsburgh, the initiative targets overseas producers and aims to safeguard domestic manufacturing. Trump’s remarks directly connected the punitive measures to the interests of American workers, asserting that the increased levy would deter foreign rivals from undermining US industry. In his words, the shift from a 25% to a 50% barrier turns a figurative fence into “a wall”, raising the costs and complexity for foreign suppliers.