Trump Defends Tariffs with Explosive Attack on ‘Crooked Politicians’

Trump Unleashes Fiery Rant as He Relaunches Tariff Agenda with Global Impact

Former President Donald Trump is back in the headlines with a fiery defense of his signature trade policy—tariffs—while taking aim at political opponents he calls “dumb, pathetic, and crooked.” In a no-holds-barred message posted Thursday morning on Truth Social, Trump claimed that tariffs are not only reviving the U.S. economy but also exposing decades of what he called “political failure” on global trade.

Trump’s post marks a renewed push to bring tariffs back to the center of his political playbook as the 2024 election heats up. While critics argue that tariffs could raise prices for everyday Americans, Trump insists they’re a financial weapon that has been long overdue.

In his words, “Tariffs are making America GREAT & RICH again… ONE YEAR AGO, AMERICA WAS A DEAD COUNTRY; NOW IT IS THE HOTTEST COUNTRY ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD.”

India, Brazil, South Korea—No One Spared

Trump didn’t stop at generalities—he named names. On Wednesday, he announced a sharp 25% tariff on imports from India, accusing the country of charging unfairly high rates on U.S. products. Brazil, meanwhile, was hit with a 50% tariff, which Trump tied to their handling of former president Jair Bolsonaro and alleged censorship of American tech firms.

In another major move, Trump signed an executive order tightening controls on what’s known as “de minimis” shipments—goods valued under $800 that previously entered the U.S. duty-free. Many of these shipments came from China. Trump claims the loophole is now sealed.

Deals That Sweeten the Sting

While his tone was combative, Trump also showcased trade agreements that seem designed to soften the economic blow of rising tariffs. A pact with South Korea will lower tariffs from 25% to 15%. South Korea will buy $100 billion in American energy and invest $350 billion in U.S.-controlled projects.

Trump even mentioned Pakistan’s oil reserve development, an unexpected shift that suggests geopolitical ambitions related to his trade approach.

Conflict from All Sides

President Trump has praised the tariffs, but criticism is growing. Such trade measures alarm economists, business leaders, and lawmakers from both parties about reviving inflation and hurting American consumers. Trump’s economic nationalism may backfire owing to unstable global supply linkages.

Trump supporters claim this bold tactic shows strength and refusal to submit to global pressure. For them, the new levies are political as well as economic.

A Trade War Reloaded

Trump’s latest moves are shaking up the global trade stage once again. With tariffs targeting countries across continents and his rhetoric more intense than ever, one thing is clear: Trump’s trade war is far from over. And if he returns to the White House, America’s economic diplomacy might look very different from the past.

Stay tuned—this is just the beginning.