United States President Donald Trump said on Friday the two executive orders he is signing today will help "create a level playing field for the American worker," bring jobs back to the country and "stage a great revival of American manufacturing." Trump claimed he didn't consider his business interests when issuing the trade executive orders, but did it for American workers and companies.
The first executive order will ensure "duties imposed on foreign importers that cheat" are fully collected and those who "break the rules" will face "severe consequences," according to Trump. The second one orders the "first ever comprehensive review of America's trade deficits and all violations of trade rules that harm" the US and its workers. He vowed to take "necessary and lawful action" against those guilty of "trade abuses."
The president pledged to get "bad trade deals straightened out" by immediately withdrawing from the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP).
He also reflected on the latest manufacturing survey which showed a record optimism level of 93% and stated it jumped significantly from around 56% from a couple of months ago.
The president left the Oval Office without formally signing the executive orders, but likely signed them shortly afterwards off camera.
