Donald Trump has announced the creation of the External Revenue Service (ERS), a new agency aimed at collecting revenue from foreign countries. Scheduled to debut on January 20, 2025, the same day as his potential second inauguration, the ERS reflects Trump’s continued focus on trade reform and economic nationalism. The announcement, made via his platform Truth Social, describes the ERS as a counterpart to the Internal Revenue Service, focusing on tariffs, duties, and other international revenue streams.
Criticizing existing trade agreements as “soft and pathetically weak,” Trump has positioned the ERS as a cornerstone of his "America-first" trade policy. The initiative seeks to consolidate and streamline functions currently managed by multiple government agencies, emphasizing efficiency in capturing external revenues.
Former White House adviser Steve Bannon has reportedly encouraged Trump to establish the agency via executive order, signaling a potential fast-tracked implementation process. While specific operational details remain unclear, the ERS aligns with Trump's broader critique of what he sees as ineffective trade agreements that disadvantage the United States.
Supporters of the plan see it as a bold move to address perceived imbalances in global trade, while critics raise questions about feasibility and overlap with existing departments. If successful, the ERS could redefine how the U.S. approaches international revenue collection, providing a new layer of fiscal strategy under Trump’s leadership.
Trump’s vision for the ERS underscores his commitment to reshaping economic policy, with his trademark emphasis on putting American interests first.
