White House Denies Plans to Scale Back Trump Metals Tariffs

Administration says any changes must be announced by the president.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Trump administration officials stated on Friday that there would be no changes to President Donald Trump's sweeping tariffs on steel, aluminum, and thousands of related products unless the president himself announces them. This comes in response to a Financial Times report that the administration was planning to scale back some of the tariffs and provide exemptions.

Why it matters

The Trump-era tariffs on steel, aluminum, and derivative products have had a significant impact on U.S. consumers and manufacturers, with the Congressional Budget Office estimating that Americans bear around 95% of the costs. Any changes to the tariffs could have major economic implications.

The details

White House and Treasury officials denied the Financial Times report, stating that the administration is implementing a "nimble and nuanced tariff agenda" to boost U.S. manufacturing in these sectors. They said any changes would have to be announced by the president himself. The Commerce Department and U.S. Trade Representative's office did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

  • On February 13, 2026, Trump administration officials made the statements denying plans to scale back the tariffs.

The players

Donald Trump

The former president who initially imposed the sweeping tariffs on steel, aluminum, and related products.

Scott Bessent

The U.S. Treasury Secretary who commented on the potential for some modifications to the tariffs.

Peter Navarro

The White House trade and manufacturing adviser who has strongly advocated for Trump's tariff approach.

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What they’re saying

“Unless officially announced by the Administration, however, any reporting about changes to our current tariff regime is baseless speculation.”

— White House Official (Reuters)

“If anything is done, I think it would be some sort of clarification on some incidental objects, but again, that's going to be the president's decision.”

— Scott Bessent, U.S. Treasury Secretary (CNBC)

“There was no basis in fact for the FT report that the administration was planning to reduce the steel and aluminum tariffs.”

— Peter Navarro, White House Trade and Manufacturing Adviser (CNBC)

What’s next

The administration has indicated that any changes to the tariffs would have to be announced by President Trump himself. It remains to be seen if the president will make any adjustments to the tariffs in the future.

The takeaway

The Trump-era steel and aluminum tariffs have had significant economic impacts, with the costs largely borne by American consumers and manufacturers. While there were reports of potential changes, the White House has firmly stated that no modifications will be made unless directly announced by the president, maintaining the administration's protectionist trade policies.