White House Economic Advisor Kevin Hassett warned on Sunday (13th) during an interview that if Trump does not receive satisfactory outcomes, the high tariffs will be taken seriously. He stated that Trump has legitimate grounds to dismiss Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell, related to the cost overruns of the Fed's headquarters renovation.

In his interview with ABC News, Hassett mentioned, "If the President doesn't get what he considers a good deal, these tariffs are serious." He added, "But you know, discussions are still ongoing, and we will see what the dust settles on."

Among the series of tariffs Trump announced recently are a 50% tariff on copper, 30% on the EU, 25% on Japan and South Korea, and 50% on Brazil. Hassett noted that the steep tariff on Brazil reflects the Trump administration's dissatisfaction with the current Brazilian government and the trade conditions between the two nations.

One reason for Trump imposing such high tariffs on Brazil is his belief that Brazil is judicially persecuting former President Jair Bolsonaro.

Hassett emphasized that Powell's response regarding the cost overruns for the Fed headquarters will influence Trump’s decision about Powell’s future. Hassett remarked that Trump has every right to dismiss Powell based on this issue. Among those considered for the new Fed chair, Hassett himself is also a candidate.