US politics live: Trump says talks with Putin are imminent

After two weeks of copping backlash over his handling of Ukraine, Donald Trump has signalled his next move towards a ceasefire.

It’s been an incredibly eventful day in the US as Donald Trump continues to make major moves in his trade war.

The White House announced Australia won’t be able to avoid sweeping tariffs on aluminium and steel, despite efforts to secure an exemption.

Mr Trump considered making Australia exempt from the 25 per cent tariffs, which are due to take effect tomorrow, but has “considered against it”, the White House confirmed to Australian media early this morning.

The President also announced higher tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminium, furiously doubling them to 50 per cent.

Hours later, he walked back the move after the Premier of Canada’s Ontario province backed down and suspended a new 25 per cent surcharge on US bound electricity.

Meanwhile, Ukraine has backed a US proposal for a 30-day general ceasefire with Russia, with the United States in turn agreeing to lift restrictions on military aid and intelligence sharing, a joint statement said.

There have also been new moves in the Trump Administration’s war on “woke” - with staffers at the nation’s famed space agency being moved on.

Read on for the latest updates.