U.S. President Donald Trump still intends for new reciprocal tariff rates to take effect on April 2, the White House said on Tuesday, despite earlier comments from Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent that indicated a possible delay in their activation.

President Trump doubled down on reciprocal tariffs, calling their planned April 2 implementation date a “liberating day.” “April 2 is a liberating day for our country,” Trump said to reporters Sunday evening on Air Force One.

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The Trump administration still intends for reciprocal tariffs to take effect on April 2, a White House official said, clarifying comments from Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent which suggested countries could negotiate before the U.S. government begins collecting new import duties.