When is Liberation Day? Trump's April 2, 2025 Tariff Announcement Timeline

Trump’s “Liberation Day” marks a pivotal moment in U.S. trade policy, with the administration scheduling a comprehensive rollout of reciprocal tariff measures on April 2, 2025. The question “When is Liberation Day” has been circulating globally, as market participants and policymakers await the detailed announcements that will reshape trade dynamics.

Morning Preparations: Strategic Trade Committee Meeting

The Liberation Day agenda kicks off at 9:00 AM Eastern Time (9:00 PM Beijing Time on April 2) with a closed-door session featuring President Trump and his expert trade committee. This early morning convening aims to finalize the transformative tariff measures that form the backbone of the administration’s trade strategy. By establishing consensus within the core team before public announcements, the administration signals coordinated execution.

Public Preview and Rose Garden Address

At 11:30 AM Eastern Time (11:30 PM Beijing Time, April 2), Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt will outline key elements of the coming statement, providing media and stakeholders with a preliminary framework. The centerpiece arrives at 4:00 PM Eastern Time (4:00 AM Beijing Time, April 3), when Trump is scheduled to deliver a Rose Garden speech unveiling the reciprocal tariff framework. This venue choice underscores the significance of the announcement. Following the speech at 4:30 PM Eastern Time (4:30 AM Beijing Time, April 3), the President will engage with media representatives and participate in formal photographic documentation.

Implementation Briefings and Global Market Response

As Liberation Day transitions into evening, the machinery shifts toward implementation logistics. At 6:00 PM Eastern Time (6:00 AM Beijing Time, April 3), government officials will provide a comprehensive briefing to industry leaders, ensuring that tariff rollout proceeds without disruption or confusion. By 8:00 PM Eastern Time (8:00 AM Beijing Time, April 3), global markets begin absorbing the full implications of the reciprocal tariff measures, with trading patterns reflecting the new policy framework.

Liberation Day represents more than a single announcement—it’s a meticulously choreographed sequence designed to communicate, finalize, and implement sweeping trade policy changes simultaneously across government, industry, and capital markets.