Breaking News: US President Donald Trump announced reciprocal tariffs on over 180 countries, including India. The additional tariffs will make imports to the US costlier. What if the entire tariff move backfires? Trump’s inner circle has lined up a fall guy. And that is Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick. This is why Lutnick suits this purpose best…..Read More

US President Donald Trump has marked his “Liberation Day” with reciprocal tariffs on dozens of countries, including India. For India, the tariff was set at 27 percent, and Trump called it a “kind reciprocal”. But what if all these fail? The Trump administration has already lined up a fall guy, and it is none other than Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick. Many within Trump’s inner circle are prepared to place the blame on him, according to sources close to the administration. But why Lutnick?

The Trump administration announced reciprocal tariffs on over 180 countries on April 2. As for India, businesses were left scrambling to assess the hit as goods from India entering the US would attract a minimum of 27 percent levy, beginning April 9.

Trump has billed it as “Liberation Day,” promising it will put an end to US reliance on foreign goods.

Come trouble, the Trump administration has a scapegoat ready in Lutnick.

“I think people would take special pleasure in blaming him,” an insider told Politico.

Lutnick has been a key advocate for Trump’s aggressive tariff strategy. He has pushed for even stronger measures, convinced they will shrink the deficit and balance the budget.

Foreign manufacturers may pass on the additional costs from reciprocal tariffs to American businesses and consumers, making everyday products more expensive.

Ignoring warnings from economists about potential market crashes or even a recession, Lutnick insists tariffs will “generate revenue” — despite the likelihood that the cost will fall on American businesses and consumers.

He isn’t just defending the policy; he’s championing even steeper tariffs, a source close to Trump’s team revealed, according to the Politico report.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent remains a cautious voice, advocating for more targeted tariffs.

Trade adviser Peter Navarro, a long-time proponent of tariffs, is staying within familiar lines. But Lutnick is “shaking things up”.

“A new voice at the table pushing crazy ideas,” one insider described. “I don’t know anyone who isn’t pissed off at him.”

The official indicated that Lutnick’s radical ideas have rubbed a lot of people who matter the wrong way.