WH deputy press secretary touts tariffs as key to ‘SAFEGUARDING' economic security

• February jobs report showed -92K actual jobs drop vs. +59K expected, and unemployment ticked higher to 4.4% vs. 4.3% expected, but the White House dismissed it as an 'outlier' due to weather and a West Coast strike.
• The administration is focused on private sector-led economic growth through tax cuts, deregulation, and tariffs, which are claimed to be driving an 'investment boom'.
• Rising gas prices and stalled shipping in the Strait of Hormuz are being addressed with a $20B Mideast maritime reinsurance plan and potential US Navy escorts for oil tankers.
• A federal judge ordered the administration to refund over $130 billion in tariffs, with 24 states suing over new global tariffs, but the White House remains committed to using tariffs for national economic security.

The White House deputy press secretary downplayed a weak February jobs report, attributing it to temporary factors, and highlighted the administration's focus on private sector-led growth through tax cuts, deregulation, and tariffs. He also addressed rising gas prices and shipping concerns in the Strait of Hormuz, outlining measures like maritime reinsurance and potential Navy escorts, while reaffirming commitment to tariffs despite legal challenges.