United States President Donald Trump is reportedly exploring a new two-step tariff strategy that would allow him to impose emergency duties on foreign imports even as trade investigations continue, according to a report published by the Financial Times on Tuesday. The approach is seen as a move to provide a stronger legal foundation for the president’s reciprocal tariff regime while advancing other fiscal policy goals.

Citing unnamed sources familiar with the matter, the Financial Times noted that the Trump administration is aiming to formalize its tariff practices within a more robust legal framework. This would potentially grant the president greater flexibility to act swiftly on trade matters and generate revenue to support planned tax cuts.

The proposed strategy involves the initial application of emergency tariffs, followed by more permanent measures once formal trade investigations conclude. This method is designed to bypass potential delays associated with traditional procedures, giving the White House a more proactive stance in trade enforcement.

According to the report, Trump is likely to begin implementing duties on imported vehicles “immediately” on April 2. If enacted, the move would mark a significant escalation in the administration's ongoing efforts to reshape U.S. trade relations and protect domestic industries.

The idea of leveraging tariff revenues to fund tax cuts also signals the administration’s intent to link trade policy directly with economic reform measures. While the details of the plan have yet to be publicly confirmed, the proposal has already raised attention among global trading partners and domestic stakeholders alike.

This latest development adds to the broader narrative of President Trump’s assertive trade agenda, which has consistently focused on recalibrating international economic relationships in favor of American interests.