Republicans highly disturbed by Trump's metal plan.What does Trump want to do and why?


Earlier on Monday, Mr Trump hinted that if the US achieved a better deal for itself in the North American Free Trade Agreement (Nafta) he would abandon plans for tariffs on US neighbours.
Those tariffs could be removed for Canada and Mexico if they signed a "new and fair" agreement, he suggested.
The current round of Nafta talks, which focus on updating the 24-year old treaty, are due to finish on Monday and have achieved little.
Mr Trump has decried the US trade deficit with other countries, which he has blamed on "'very stupid' trade deals and policies".
On Thursday, he said steel imports would face a 25% tariff and aluminium 10%.
He issued a threat against EU-made cars on Saturday, which he repeated during his Oval Office meeting with the Israeli prime minister on Monday.
"They have trade barriers that are worse than tariffs. They also have tariffs by the way, but they have trade barriers far worse than tariffs."
"And if they want to do something we'll just tax their cars that they send in here like water," he vowed.

Has Trump got political support at home for a trade war?

Over the weekend some Republicans began to question the tariff proposal and have urged the president to reconsider.
Many argue that the impact of tax cuts that were passed earlier this year will be wiped out as countries levy new tariffs on US goods and the price of metals climbs.
Senator Orrin Hatch said American citizens would be made to pay, adding that Mr Trump's "action could very well undercut the benefits of the pro-growth tax reform we fought to get on the books".
Senator Ben Sasse agreed that "kooky 18th Century protectionism will jack up prices on American families".
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Image caption Representatives from Canada, Mexico and the US meet to discuss Nafta agreement in January
Responding to the criticism on CNN, White House economic adviser Peter Navarro dismissed the number of Republicans opposed Mr Trump's tariff plan.
"Guess what: He beat them," Mr Navarro said, referring to the outcome of the 2016 election.
He added that Republicans are "dead wrong on the economics".
Industry bodies like the US Motor and Equipment Manufacturers Association have expressed deep concern.

How has the EU responded to the tariff threat?

Levi jeans and bourbon could be hit with a 25% import tax by the European Union if Mr Trump imposes tariffs on European steel and aluminium.
Cecilia Malmström, EU Commissioner for Trade, told the BBC the items were on a draft list of US goods to be taxed.

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