Trump keeps tariff probes active under security rule during shutdown

The Trump administration announced that it will continue its tariff investigations during the impending government shutdown, citing national security concerns. The Commerce Department’s contingency plan allows for ongoing investigations under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act, which authorizes tariffs on imports deemed critical to national security. This approach allows the government to keep working on these cases despite a lapse in congressional funding.

Tariff investigations press on despite shutdown

The administration’s shift in strategy, disclosed in a recently updated contingency plan, signals intent to push ahead with investigations on certain imports. By emphasizing national security, the Commerce Department can continue laying the groundwork for potential tariffs. These investigations largely focus on sectors impacting the U.S. economy and defense, a path President Trump has frequently pursued to impose new import taxes, according to Bloomberg.

DHS Operations and workforce impact

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) confirmed that immigration, border patrol, and key security roles will remain active during the shutdown. Agencies, including Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the Coast Guard, and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), will continue their critical missions, such as screening and deportations. However, frontline workers may be forced to work without pay, a move that DHS officials criticize as unfair and risky.

Read more on Chicago Star:

• Sundays on State–a can’t-miss Chicago event
• De-icing Chicago
• Dr. Jane Goodall, lifelong wildlife advocate, passes at age 91
• Chicago welcomes back native son Harrison Ford for environmental tribute

 While most of DHS’s 272,000 employees—over 91%—will remain on duty, essential back-office areas will face furloughs. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), which is crucial for protecting against cyber threats, will operate at approximately one-third of its staffing levels. Experts warn this reduction comes at a delicate time as cyber threats escalate, coinciding with the expiration of key cybersecurity information-sharing laws.

Political tensions add to the shutdown’s turmoil. White House spokespeople blame Democrats for the shutdown, accusing them of demanding excessive spending, while Democratic lawmakers counter that GOP choices threaten government functions and health care protections.