Trump’s Tariff Plan Targets Uninhabited Islands and U.S. Military Bases

Former President Donald Trump's proposed tariff plan has sparked controversy by targeting not only uninhabited islands but also U.S. military bases. The plan includes imposing tariffs on goods from Antarctica's Heard and McDonald Islands, which are uninhabited and primarily home to penguins. This unusual move has raised eyebrows globally, as these islands have no economic activity.

Further details reveal that Trump's tariffs would also affect U.S. military bases, a decision that has alarmed defense officials and lawmakers. Critics argue that such tariffs could disrupt military operations and strain international relations. The proposal comes as part of Trump's broader strategy to use tariffs as leverage in trade negotiations, a tactic he employed during his presidency.

The international community has expressed concern over the potential impact of these tariffs on global trade and diplomatic relations. The inclusion of military bases in the tariff plan has been particularly contentious, with many questioning the rationale behind targeting non-commercial entities. As the debate continues, the feasibility and implications of Trump's tariff strategy remain under scrutiny.

• Antarctica
• Donald Trump
• Heard and McDonald Islands
• U.S. Military Bases

Detailed

Trump tariffs: How island of penguins and seals ended up on list

1 day ago

- bbc

An uninhabited island, a military base and a ‘desolate’ former whaling station. Trump’s tariffs include unlikely targets

2 days ago

- cnn

Not that Norfolk! Mislabelled shipments led to Trump tariffs on uninhabited islands and remote outposts with no US trade

1 day ago

- theguardian

Tiny Australian outposts, including some with no people, targeted by Trump tariffs

2 days ago

- reuters

Related issues news

Do people live on heard island?

There are no human settlements on the islands, and they are managed as a nature reserve by the Australian government. The islands' populations of marine birds and mammals number in the millions, according to UNESCO.

Are the heard and McDonald Islands uninhabited?

The islands, which are uninhabited, can be reached only by sea, which from Australia takes two weeks in the vessels normally used to access them.

How many people live on heard and McDonald's island?

There is no permanent civilian population on the islands, only one of which — called Diego Garcia — has any residents, according to the CIA World Factbook.

Are the McDonald Islands inhabited?

The McDonald Islands ( 53°3′34.9″S 72°35′32.2″E) are an uninhabited archipelago in the southern Indian Ocean in the vicinity of Heard Island ( 53°06′S 73°31′E). Together with Heard Island, they make up the Australian external territory of Heard Island and McDonald Islands.