Trump’s tariffs bring hundreds of thousands out in mass protests as Don urges ‘hang tough for revolution’
MORE than half a million Americans were expected to take to the streets today in a wave of protests against Donald Trump’s sweeping new tariffs, after he declared an “economic revolution”.
Crowds gathered for over 1,200 “Hands Off!” demonstrations across the US in what’s shaping up to be the biggest single-day protest against the Trump administration since he first took office.
The “mass mobilisation day” was aimed squarely at Trump’s economic agenda and deep government cuts, led by his billionaire ally Elon Musk.
It follows Wednesday’s shock announcement of hundreds of billions of dollars’ worth of “reciprocal” tariffs on America’s trading partners — a move that sent US markets into a tailspin.
Stocks have plunged $5.4 trillion in just two days, marking the worst week for the S&P 500 since March 2020 at the height of the Covid crash.
Investment giant JP Morgan has now slashed its GDP forecast for the US, predicting a 0.3pc contraction this year — down from earlier expectations of 1.3pc growth.
But despite the financial fallout, Trump is standing firm.
He wrote on Truth Social: “THIS IS AN ECONOMIC REVOLUTION, AND WE WILL WIN. HANG TOUGH, it won’t be easy, but the end result will be historic. We will, MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!!!”
The protest’s organisers said: “This mass mobilisation day is our message to the world that we do not consent to the destruction of our government and our economy for the benefit of Trump and his billionaire allies.
“We are marching, rallying, and protesting to demand a stop to the chaos and build an opposition movement against the looting of our country.”
The largest event was expected in Washington DC, where Democrat members of Congress were to address the crowds.
Meanwhile, British carmaker Jaguar Land Rover has pulled the plug on £6.5bn worth of US exports after Mr Trump’s new 25pc tariffs on car imports kicked in on Thursday.
Read our Trump tariffs blog for the latest updates on Liberation Day...
ECB Official: ‘Liberation Day’ may not be peak uncertainty
European Central Bank policymaker Isabel Schnabel has warned that Trump’s so-called “Liberation Day” may not mark the peak of global uncertainty sparked by his sweeping tariffs.
Speaking at an economic forum in northern Italy, Schnabel said there’s been a “dramatic surge in uncertainty” across the Eurozone — and it may be just the beginning.
“Some people had the view that Liberation Day could be the day of peak uncertainty, but I'm not entirely sure that is the case,” she said.
She added that the ECB will closely monitor the tariffs’ impact on Eurozone growth and inflation in the coming weeks.
Schnabel also pushed back on Trump’s claim that the EU was created to “screw” the US: “Of course the EU was not born to screw the United States, but it was born to make Europe thrive.”
ECB Official: ‘Liberation Day’ may not be peak uncertainty
European Central Bank policymaker Isabel Schnabel has warned that Trump’s so-called “Liberation Day” may not mark the peak of global uncertainty sparked by his sweeping tariffs.
Speaking at an economic forum in northern Italy, Schnabel said there’s been a “dramatic surge in uncertainty” across the Eurozone — and it may be just the beginning.
“Some people had the view that Liberation Day could be the day of peak uncertainty, but I'm not entirely sure that is the case,” she said.
She added that the ECB will closely monitor the tariffs’ impact on Eurozone growth and inflation in the coming weeks.
Schnabel also pushed back on Trump’s claim that the EU was created to “screw” the US: “Of course the EU was not born to screw the United States, but it was born to make Europe thrive.”
Copper prices dive despite tariff exemption
Copper prices have sunk over 5% in London trading, even though the metal was spared from Donald Trump’s sweeping new tariffs.
Despite its exemption, copper dropped to $9,000 (£7,000) per ton on Friday, as market jitters over global economic turmoil rattled traders.
Often viewed as a bellwether for the global economy, copper had been heavily stockpiled in recent weeks amid fears it would be caught in the crossfire of Trump’s trade crackdown.
The US is heavily dependent on copper imports, with Chile supplying 41% and Canada 27% of the total.
Last year, America imported 850,000 tonnes — half of its total consumption.
Copper prices dive despite tariff exemption
Copper prices have sunk over 5% in London trading, even though the metal was spared from Donald Trump’s sweeping new tariffs.
Despite its exemption, copper dropped to $9,000 (£7,000) per ton on Friday, as market jitters over global economic turmoil rattled traders.
Often viewed as a bellwether for the global economy, copper had been heavily stockpiled in recent weeks amid fears it would be caught in the crossfire of Trump’s trade crackdown.
The US is heavily dependent on copper imports, with Chile supplying 41% and Canada 27% of the total.
Last year, America imported 850,000 tonnes — half of its total consumption.
Starmer: ‘The world as we knew it has gone’ after Trump tariffs
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has warned that “the world as we knew it has gone” in the wake of Donald Trump’s sweeping tariffs and growing global instability.
Writing in The Telegraph, Starmer said “old assumptions can no longer be taken for granted” and the new world is “less governed by established rules and more by deals and alliances”.
“It demands the best of British virtues – cool heads, pragmatism and a clear understanding of our national interest,” he wrote.
On tariffs, Starmer said the “immediate priority” is to “keep calm and fight for the best deal”, warning the consequences of a trade war could be “profound”.
“We already have a balanced trading relationship with our American allies and work continues on a new economic prosperity deal. Nonetheless, all options remain on the table.
“I will only strike a deal if it is right for British business and the security of working people. And I will continue to make the case for free and open trade, because turning our back on that now would be a grave mistake.”
He said he’s ready to use “industrial policy” to protect UK firms: “Some people may feel uncomfortable about this – the idea the state should intervene directly to shape the market has often been derided.
“But we simply cannot cling on to old sentiments when the world is turning this fast.”
Credit: Reuters Starmer: ‘The world as we knew it has gone’ after Trump tariffs
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has warned that “the world as we knew it has gone” in the wake of Donald Trump’s sweeping tariffs and growing global instability.
Writing in The Telegraph, Starmer said “old assumptions can no longer be taken for granted” and the new world is “less governed by established rules and more by deals and alliances”.
“It demands the best of British virtues – cool heads, pragmatism and a clear understanding of our national interest,” he wrote.
On tariffs, Starmer said the “immediate priority” is to “keep calm and fight for the best deal”, warning the consequences of a trade war could be “profound”.
“We already have a balanced trading relationship with our American allies and work continues on a new economic prosperity deal. Nonetheless, all options remain on the table.
“I will only strike a deal if it is right for British business and the security of working people. And I will continue to make the case for free and open trade, because turning our back on that now would be a grave mistake.”
He said he’s ready to use “industrial policy” to protect UK firms: “Some people may feel uncomfortable about this – the idea the state should intervene directly to shape the market has often been derided.
“But we simply cannot cling on to old sentiments when the world is turning this fast.”
Credit: Reuters Trump’s ‘outrageous’ tariffs could shrink French economy, PM warns
France’s economy could shrink by at least 0.5% due to Donald Trump’s tariffs, Prime Minister Francois Bayrou has warned.
Speaking to Le Parisien, Bayrou called the levies “outrageous” and said they could trigger a “global crisis”.
“Trump’s policies could cost us more than 0.5% of our GDP,” he said.
“The imposition of these outrageous tariffs will lead to a global crisis.
“The risk of job losses is significant, as is that of an economic slowdown.”
France is among EU nations hit with a 20% general tariff under Trump’s latest trade plan.
Trump’s ‘outrageous’ tariffs could shrink French economy, PM warns
France’s economy could shrink by at least 0.5% due to Donald Trump’s tariffs, Prime Minister Francois Bayrou has warned.
Speaking to Le Parisien, Bayrou called the levies “outrageous” and said they could trigger a “global crisis”.
“Trump’s policies could cost us more than 0.5% of our GDP,” he said.
“The imposition of these outrageous tariffs will lead to a global crisis.
“The risk of job losses is significant, as is that of an economic slowdown.”
France is among EU nations hit with a 20% general tariff under Trump’s latest trade plan.
Macron: trade war in 'no one's interest'
French President Emmanuel Macron has warned that a trade war benefits no one, urging global unity in the face of escalating economic tensions.
After speaking with UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, Macron said the two leaders “reaffirmed our determination to closely coordinate our positions in the ongoing discussions with President Donald Trump.”
Posting on X, he added: “A trade war is in no one’s interest. We must stand united and resolute to protect our citizens and our businesses.”
He also stressed the need for global cooperation, saying: “In the face of the world’s great shocks, we must move forward together.”
Credit: Reuters
Macron: trade war in 'no one's interest'
French President Emmanuel Macron has warned that a trade war benefits no one, urging global unity in the face of escalating economic tensions.
After speaking with UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, Macron said the two leaders “reaffirmed our determination to closely coordinate our positions in the ongoing discussions with President Donald Trump.”
Posting on X, he added: “A trade war is in no one’s interest. We must stand united and resolute to protect our citizens and our businesses.”
He also stressed the need for global cooperation, saying: “In the face of the world’s great shocks, we must move forward together.”
Credit: Reuters Musk calls for ‘zero-tariff zone’ between US and Europe
Elon Musk has floated the idea of a “zero-tariff zone” between the US and Europe, calling for stronger economic ties amid rising global trade tensions.
Speaking via video link to Italy’s deputy PM Matteo Salvini during the Lega party congress in Florence, Musk said he hoped for a “very close, stronger partnership” between the two powers.
The Tesla boss and Trump White House insider added he’d like to see a “zero-tariff zone” and a “free-trade zone” established in the future.
Credit: Reuters Musk calls for ‘zero-tariff zone’ between US and Europe
Elon Musk has floated the idea of a “zero-tariff zone” between the US and Europe, calling for stronger economic ties amid rising global trade tensions.
Speaking via video link to Italy’s deputy PM Matteo Salvini during the Lega party congress in Florence, Musk said he hoped for a “very close, stronger partnership” between the two powers.
The Tesla boss and Trump White House insider added he’d like to see a “zero-tariff zone” and a “free-trade zone” established in the future.
Credit: Reuters Anti-Trump protests across US and Europe amid tariff meltdown
Anti-Trump protests have swept across the globe in response to the US president’s sweeping tariffs and escalating global tensions.
From Berlin to London, demonstrators have taken to the streets, slamming Donald Trump and billionaire adviser Elon Musk, and calling for an “end to the chaos” while voicing strong support for Ukraine.
In London’s Trafalgar Square, hundreds gathered for a “hands off” rally, waving placards reading “No to Maga hate” and “Dump Trump.”
The UK protest is one of hundreds held worldwide as outrage mounts over Trump’s aggressive trade moves.
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Credit: Alamy Anti-Trump protests across US and Europe amid tariff meltdown
Anti-Trump protests have swept across the globe in response to the US president’s sweeping tariffs and escalating global tensions.
From Berlin to London, demonstrators have taken to the streets, slamming Donald Trump and billionaire adviser Elon Musk, and calling for an “end to the chaos” while voicing strong support for Ukraine.
In London’s Trafalgar Square, hundreds gathered for a “hands off” rally, waving placards reading “No to Maga hate” and “Dump Trump.”
The UK protest is one of hundreds held worldwide as outrage mounts over Trump’s aggressive trade moves.
Credit: AP Credit: PA Credit: Reuters Credit: AP Credit: Alamy Aircraft supplier warns it may halt shipments over Trump tariffs
Howmet Aerospace, a key supplier to Airbus and Boeing, has warned it may stop some shipments due to Donald Trump’s new tariffs, according to a letter seen by Reuters.
The Pittsburgh-based firm told customers it has declared a force majeure event – a legal move allowing companies to suspend contractual obligations under extreme, unforeseen circumstances.
"Howmet will be excused from supplying any products or services that are impacted by this declared national emergency and/or the tariff executive order," the letter reportedly said.
Howmet provides critical metal components for the $150 billion jetliner industry.
Aircraft supplier warns it may halt shipments over Trump tariffs
Howmet Aerospace, a key supplier to Airbus and Boeing, has warned it may stop some shipments due to Donald Trump’s new tariffs, according to a letter seen by Reuters.
The Pittsburgh-based firm told customers it has declared a force majeure event – a legal move allowing companies to suspend contractual obligations under extreme, unforeseen circumstances.
"Howmet will be excused from supplying any products or services that are impacted by this declared national emergency and/or the tariff executive order," the letter reportedly said.
Howmet provides critical metal components for the $150 billion jetliner industry.
Trump: ‘this is an economic revolution… hang tough’
Donald Trump has called on Americans to “hang tough” as his sweeping tariffs spark economic shockwaves around the globe.
In a fiery post on Truth Social, the former president defended the move, calling it an “economic revolution” and insisting the US will come out on top.
He wrote on Saturday: "China has been hit much harder than the USA, not even close.
"They, and many other nations, have treated us unsustainably badly. We have been the dumb and helpless ‘whipping post’, but not any longer.
"We are bringing back jobs and businesses like never before. Already, more than five trillion dollars of investment, and rising fast.
"This is an economic revolution, and we will win. Hang tough, it won’t be easy, but the end result will be historic.
"We will make America great again."
Credit: AFP 
Trump: ‘this is an economic revolution… hang tough’
Donald Trump has called on Americans to “hang tough” as his sweeping tariffs spark economic shockwaves around the globe.
In a fiery post on Truth Social, the former president defended the move, calling it an “economic revolution” and insisting the US will come out on top.
He wrote on Saturday: "China has been hit much harder than the USA, not even close.
"They, and many other nations, have treated us unsustainably badly. We have been the dumb and helpless ‘whipping post’, but not any longer.
"We are bringing back jobs and businesses like never before. Already, more than five trillion dollars of investment, and rising fast.
"This is an economic revolution, and we will win. Hang tough, it won’t be easy, but the end result will be historic.
"We will make America great again."
Credit: AFP Pictures: Trump golfing for third day running amid tariffs chaos
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Credit: AP Starmer and Macron concerned about tariff fallout
Britain's PM Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron discussed their concerns about the impact of Trump's tariffs when they spoke on Saturday.
According to the Prime Minister's office, they share similar concerns about the economic and security implications of the measures.
The Downing Street statement read: "They agreed that a trade war was in nobody's interests, but nothing should be off the table.
"The prime minister and president also shared their concerns about the global economic and security impact, particularly in Southeast Asia."
Credit: Getty Trump slams China after country accuses President of using tariffs 'as a weapon'
President Trump has dubbed his tariffs "AN ECONOMIC REVOLUTION" on social media after a spokesperson for China's foreign ministry took a swipe at the Republican and accused him of using tariffs "as a weapon".
The president said on Truth Social: "China has been hit much harder than the USA, not even close. They, and many other nations, have treated us unsustainably badly.
"We have been the dumb and helpless 'whipping post,' but not any longer. We are bringing back jobs and businesses like never before.
"Already, more than FIVE TRILLION DOLLARS OF INVESTMENT, and rising fast! THIS IS AN ECONOMIC REVOLUTION, AND WE WILL WIN. HANG TOUGH, it won’t be easy, but the end result will be historic.
"We will, MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!!!"
Trump slams China after country accuses President of using tariffs 'as a weapon'
President Trump has dubbed his tariffs "AN ECONOMIC REVOLUTION" on social media after a spokesperson for China's foreign ministry took a swipe at the Republican and accused him of using tariffs "as a weapon".
The president said on Truth Social: "China has been hit much harder than the USA, not even close. They, and many other nations, have treated us unsustainably badly.
"We have been the dumb and helpless 'whipping post,' but not any longer. We are bringing back jobs and businesses like never before.
"Already, more than FIVE TRILLION DOLLARS OF INVESTMENT, and rising fast! THIS IS AN ECONOMIC REVOLUTION, AND WE WILL WIN. HANG TOUGH, it won’t be easy, but the end result will be historic.
"We will, MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!!!"
'DeepSeek AI to blame for market decline,' says US treasury sec
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has jumped to Trump's defence amid the tariff chaos - blaming the plummet on China's AI app, DeepSeek.
He said in an interview with Tucker Carlson: "For everyone who thinks these market declines are all based on the President's economic policies, I can tell you that this market decline started with the Chinese AI announcement of DeepSeek."
DeepSeek is a large language model that can generate human-like responses to prompts, just like the famous ChatGPT.
DeepSeek claims their app performs "on par" with ChatGPTCredit: Rex Jaguar Land Rover pausing car shipments to US amid tariff chaos
Jaguar Land Rover is pausing its shipments of Brit-made cars to the US, it confirmed.
The decision is to reportedly kick in from Monday as the booming vehicle company works out how to alleviate the whopping 25 per cent import tax imposed by President Trump.
A JLR spokesperson said: "The USA is an important market for JLR's luxury brands.
"As we work to address the new trading terms with our business partners, we are taking some short-term actions including a shipment pause in April, as we develop our mid to longer-term plans."
Range Rover on the manufacturing production lineCredit: Jaguar Land Rover Jaguar Land Rover pausing car shipments to US amid tariff chaos
Jaguar Land Rover is pausing its shipments of Brit-made cars to the US, it confirmed.
The decision is to reportedly kick in from Monday as the booming vehicle company works out how to alleviate the whopping 25 per cent import tax imposed by President Trump.
A JLR spokesperson said: "The USA is an important market for JLR's luxury brands.
"As we work to address the new trading terms with our business partners, we are taking some short-term actions including a shipment pause in April, as we develop our mid to longer-term plans."
Range Rover on the manufacturing production lineCredit: Jaguar Land Rover