Lagarde Hopes Any New US Tariff Plan to Be ‘Well Thought Out’

Christine Lagarde, President of the European Central Bank, said Sunday she hopes any new U.S. tariff measures will be “well thought out,” warning that renewed trade policy uncertainty could once again disrupt business activity on both sides of the Atlantic.

Her remarks came after the Supreme Court of the United States on Friday struck down additional tariffs imposed last year by U.S. President Donald Trump. In response to the ruling, Trump announced plans to introduce new tariffs.

Speaking to CBS’s “Face the Nation,” Lagarde cautioned that another abrupt policy reversal would create fresh uncertainty for companies already navigating a fragile global environment.

“Changing course radically again would be disruptive,” she said. “People want to do business. They don’t want to enter into litigation. I hope the situation will be clarified and carefully considered so we don’t face additional challenges, and that any proposals are consistent with the constitution.”

Lagarde noted that unpredictable trade measures risk weighing on corporate investment and cross-border commerce, particularly at a time when the eurozone economy is seeking to consolidate its recovery.

In a separate part of the interview, Lagarde dismissed speculation that she might step down before the end of her mandate in October 2027. Questions had surfaced over whether she could leave early to allow for the appointment of a successor ahead of French elections that may bring a right-wing populist party to power.

“I am committed to the mission,” she said. “We have achieved a lot, and we need to consolidate it. I believe that will take until the end of my term.”

Under Lagarde’s leadership, the ECB has steered the euro area through a period of elevated inflation and monetary tightening, working toward restoring price stability while maintaining economic resilience. She reiterated that voters in any country “make their choices, and those choices must be respected.”

Her comments underscore growing concern among European policymakers about the potential ripple effects of renewed U.S. trade tensions, and the importance of predictability in safeguarding global economic stability.