The 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson Episode: Make Tariffs Pause Again (Unless You're China)
Release Date: April 10, 2025

Introduction

In this special edition of The 47 Morning Update, host Ben Ferguson delves into the latest development in U.S. trade policy: the escalation of tariffs on China to 125% and the introduction of a 90-day pause on tariffs for other countries. This episode provides an in-depth analysis of the White House's strategic maneuvers in international trade, the economic implications for American workers, and exclusive insights from key government officials.

White House's Strategic Tariff Adjustments

Ben Ferguson begins by outlining the White House's recent decisions regarding tariffs. The administration has significantly increased tariffs on China while offering a temporary reprieve to other nations willing to negotiate fair trade deals with the United States.

Key Points:

• Tariff Increase on China: The tariffs on Chinese goods have been raised to 125% as a response to China's retaliatory measures.
• 90-Day Pause for Other Countries: A temporary pause on tariffs is extended to over 75 other nations to encourage them to come to the negotiating table.
• Objective: These measures aim to "put America first" by ensuring that trade partnerships are equitable and beneficial to American workers and industries.

Notable Quote:

"It's all tariffs. And the big news coming out of the White House that they raised the tariffs on China to 125% and they issued a 90 day pause on some other tariffs with other countries that had come to the table."
— Ben Ferguson [00:48]

Economic Implications: Jobs, Manufacturing, and Consumer Benefits

Ferguson highlights the administration's economic agenda, emphasizing job creation, the revitalization of American manufacturing, and the benefits of lower prices and higher paychecks for consumers.

Key Points:

• Job Creation: The March jobs report revealed an addition of 228,000 jobs, surpassing economists' predictions and attributing this growth to the administration's aggressive onshoring policies.
  • Construction employment increased by 13,000 jobs.
  • Transportation and warehousing sectors saw an expansion of 22,900 jobs.
• Manufacturing Revival: Efforts to bring manufacturing back to the U.S. are gaining traction, supported by the increase in job sectors traditionally linked to manufacturing.
• Consumer Benefits: The "drill baby, drill" energy policy has led to lower gas prices. Additionally, proposals to extend and expand tax cuts aim to boost workers' take-home pay.

Notable Quote:

"President Trump's drill baby, drill agenda is already unleashing American energy and leading to lower gas prices."
— Ben Ferguson [05:12]

Official Statements from the White House

The episode features comprehensive statements from White House Press Secretary Caroline Levitt and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessant, detailing the administration's stance and future plans regarding trade tariffs.

Press Secretary Caroline Levitt

Key Points:

• Response to China's Retaliation: Levitt explains that the tariff increase to 125% on China is a direct response to China's imprudent retaliatory actions.
• Global Negotiations: Over 75 countries have reached out to negotiate better trade deals, seeking to benefit from America's markets and consumer base.
• Misinterpretation by Media: Levitt criticizes media outlets for misconstruing the administration's actions, asserting that the world is turning towards the U.S. rather than China for fair trade.

Notable Quote:

"Many of you in the media clearly missed the art of the deal... the entire world is calling the United States of America, not China, because they need our markets, they need our consumers, and they need this president in the Oval Office to talk to them."
— Caroline Levitt [08:07]

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessant

Key Points:

• Negotiating Strategy: Bessant emphasizes the successful strategy implemented by President Trump, which has attracted numerous countries seeking fair trade agreements.
• Distinction Between Countries: While over 75 nations are open to negotiation with a proposed 10% universal tariff, China remains an exception with its significantly higher rate due to continued escalation.
• Non-Retaliation Clause: The 90-day pause on reciprocal tariffs is attributed to the high volume of negotiation requests, not market volatility.

Notable Quotes:

"No one creates leverage for himself like President Trump."
— Scott Bessant [11:02]

"China has escalated. And President Trump responded very courageously to that."
— Scott Bessant [07:48]

Market Reaction and Public Sentiment

Following the announcement, there was a notable rally on Wall Street, reflecting investor confidence in the administration's trade policies. Ferguson interprets this as a positive sign that markets are responding favorably to the prospect of equitable trade agreements benefiting American industries.

Key Points:

• Wall Street Rally: The stock market's positive movement indicates approval of the tariff adjustments and the potential for robust trade negotiations.
• Public Support: Ferguson underscores that the administration's actions align with American public demand for fair trade practices and job protection.

Notable Quote:

"This is a monumental moment and a great response that was well explained by the treasury secretary and the press secretary there saying President Trump will take proper action."
— Ben Ferguson [11:12]

Ben Ferguson's Commentary and Analysis

Throughout the episode, Ferguson provides his analysis, reinforcing the administration's commitment to "putting America first" and critiquing Democratic policies that he perceives as enabling unfair trade practices.

Key Points:

• America First Agenda: Ferguson asserts that President Trump is effectively advancing policies that prioritize American workers and industries.
• Isolation of China: The heightened tariffs on China have led to increased isolation of the country in global trade, contrary to media predictions that other nations would side with China.
• Positive Global Shift: The majority of countries are now seeking alliances with the U.S. for better trade terms, validating the administration's strategic approach.

Notable Quote:

"More than 75 countries have called. Because the United States of America is the best place in the world to do business."
— Ben Ferguson [12:18]

Conclusion

Ben Ferguson wraps up the episode by reiterating the significance of the White House's tariff strategy and its alignment with the broader goal of strengthening the American economy. He encourages listeners to stay informed by subscribing to the podcast for ongoing updates and in-depth analysis of the issues shaping America today.

Closing Remarks:

"Thank you for listening to the 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson. ... also subscribe to the Ben Ferguson Podcast and we will see you back here tomorrow."
— Ben Ferguson [12:18]

Summary

This episode of The 47 Morning Update provides a comprehensive overview of the U.S. administration's recent tariff adjustments, highlighting the strategic increase in tariffs on China and the temporary pause for other nations. Through exclusive statements from key officials and insightful commentary from Ben Ferguson, listeners gain a deeper understanding of the economic motivations and anticipated outcomes of these policies. The episode underscores the administration's commitment to "putting America first," the positive market response, and the shifting dynamics in global trade relations.