**Trump's Campaign Promises on Tariffs Await Strategic Implementation**

Following his recent election victory, President-elect Donald Trump is assessing how his campaign commitments could be transformed into actionable policy. One of the key pledges under consideration is the imposition of broad-based tariffs, though a detailed strategy has yet to be finalized, according to multiple CNN sources. "The vision is there, but the game plan is not," mentioned a source close to the discussions, indicating that crucial decisions regarding implementation and appointing the right personnel are still pending.

Throughout the campaign, Trump vowed to introduce 60% tariffs on goods from China and 10% on imports from other countries. While these promises were not just empty rhetoric, aides acknowledge there are still unresolved questions about the legal pathways, timing, and specific execution methods. Economic experts have noted that these tariffs are likely to increase consumer prices rather than impact the companies producing the goods.

Advisers have suggested integrating the proposed tariffs with upcoming tax reform negotiations, with a particular focus on the 2025 discussions. "The way that President Trump looks at tariffs is not in isolation," explained Kelly Ann Shaw, a former Trump official, highlighting that tariffs are part of a comprehensive economic strategy that encompasses tax cuts, deregulation, and energy diversity.

Trump's economic team sees the potential revenue from new tariffs as a method to offset the costs associated with extending provisions from the 2017 Tax Cut and Jobs Act, which is due to expire at the end of next year. These provisions include a doubling of the standard deduction and an increased Child Tax Credit. The Center for a Responsible Budget estimates that continuing these measures would result in a $5.3 trillion revenue shortfall for the government, with Trump's tariffs expected to generate around $2.7 trillion.

However, the timeline and legislative framework for implementing these tariffs remain unclear. Advisers have suggested utilizing emergency or national security authorities, though such moves might face legal challenges from corporate entities. Additionally, formally linking tariff revenues to extended tax cuts would require explicit congressional approval.

"Nothing can keep [Trump] from saying one thing is paying for the other," said a senior adviser, emphasizing the need for legal backing for such claims.

As Trump prepares to impose these tariffs, companies and consumers will inevitably feel the repercussions. Jake Colvin, president of the National Foreign Trade Council, pointed out that businesses will need to decide whether to absorb the increased costs, pass them on to consumers, or reconsider the Chinese content in their products.

Trump has also proposed lowering the corporate tax rate to 15% for companies that repatriate their production to the US to exempt them from tariffs. Some targeted tariffs, like those on foreign-manufactured electric vehicles, could be implemented sooner, reflecting Trump's concerns over cheaper Chinese EVs and frustrations with new international taxes on US tech firms.

Figures like Robert Lighthizer and Elon Musk are influencing the discussion, bringing varying perspectives from their respective fields. While Lighthizer represents a more academic approach, Musk's dual role as a tech and EV company operator complicates the dynamics, especially regarding manufacturing in both the US and China.

Ultimately, Trump remains committed to leveraging tariffs as a strategic tool. "He's the 'tariff man,' but he's also a dealmaker," commented a former Trump official, suggesting that Trump will use tariffs to achieve broader aims as part of his economic policy.