President Donald Trump made a bold statement during his speech at the National Republican Congressional Committee’s donor event on Tuesday evening, claiming that nations are queuing up to negotiate with him following the introduction of his new trade policies.
Trump discussed the ongoing “tariff situation”, describing it as “a good” and “legendary situation.” The White House confirmed today that Trump sees tariffs as tools for negotiation to secure better trade deals.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt expressed willingness for other countries to potentially initiate tariff discussions with Trump, stating, “Bring us your best offers, and he will listen.”
Trump said: “These countries are calling me up, kissing my ass…they are dying to make a deal… They are, they are dying to make a deal. Please, please, sir, make a deal. I’ll do anything.”
Trump continued, “And then I’ll see some rebel Republican – some guy that wants to grandstand and say ‘I think that Congress should take over negotiations.’ Let me tell you, you don’t negotiate like I negotiate.”
After facing criticism from his own allies over his staggering tariffs on China, Trump doubled down, insisting they were retribution for the years that China has “ripped us off left and right,” adding “It’s our turn to do the rippin’.”
Trump conceded that his 104 per cent tariffs might “sound ridiculous” but added that China had previously charged the US upwards of 100 per cent.
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He also boasted about the new tariffs’ impact, saying: “China will now pay a big number to our treasury. This is all taxes.”
However, many critics slammed his claims as false. On X, @cmos_eisley said: “No, seriously, how is there no one to tell him this isn’t how it works at all. He keeps repeating the same incorrect thing and it’s absolutely maddening.”
Another said: “How can Republican Congressman sit there and know he is lying straight to their faces and be okay with that while markets are crashing and their constituents are in danger of losing their jobs due to a recession caused by this liar.
“China will pay $0 of the tariffs. Zero.”
Speaking to MPs on Parliament’s Liaison Committee on Tuesday, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer expressed caution about making any knee-jerk reactions. He said: “My instinct is that we shouldn’t jump in with both feet to retaliate. So in that sense, I’m not changing my plans.
“Obviously we have to keep our options on the table and do the preparatory work for retaliation if necessary. But I think that trying to negotiate an arrangement which mitigates the tariffs is better.”
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