Donald Trump’s presidency had a significant impact on steel tariffs and trade. In 2018, he imposed a 25% tariff on steel imports under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act, citing national security concerns. The move aimed to protect domestic steel manufacturers from foreign competition, particularly from China. However, it led to higher costs for U.S. industries that rely on steel, including automotive and construction. While the tariffs boosted some domestic steel production, they also sparked retaliatory tariffs from other nations. The policy remains debated, with supporters praising job preservation and critics arguing it increased costs and hurt international trade.