Staff Reports
President-elect Donald Trump has stirred the pot once again with his candid take on tariffs, leaving the mainstream media and economists scratching their heads. In an interview that aired on NBC’s “Meet the Press,” Trump faced questions about his proposed tariffs and their potential impact on everyday Americans’ wallets. While some seem determined to paint Trump as a doom-and-gloom merchant, he seems more interested in promoting economic empowerment, even if he can’t exactly guarantee everyone will be pleased about it.
When presented with the obligatory economist forecasts predicting doom if tariffs go into effect, Trump didn’t buckle under the pressure. Instead, he simply pointed out that he can’t predict the future, which is a more honest answer than many politicians usually provide. Pre-COVID, he reminded everyone that the U.S. economy boasted monumental successes, so why not give these tariffs a shot? If anything took a hit during those glory days, it certainly wasn’t the stock market.
As he approached the topic of major corporations like Walmart and AutoZone hinting at price hikes, Trump displayed his classic bravado. He dismissed these naysayers, reiterating that tariffs are designed to bolster American industries and create a robust economy. The man is convinced that U.S. jobs and growth aren’t the costs; rather, they are the goals, and a few more pennies on a daily purchase here and there should pale in comparison to the grander scheme of economic prosperity.
Trump on tariffs raising prices: ‘Can’t guarantee anything’https://t.co/EJZZa9Ot4v pic.twitter.com/DT4t2hlafY
— The Washington Times (@WashTimes) December 9, 2024
The president-elect turned the discussion into a masterclass on using tariffs not just as financial tools, but also as bargaining chips on the international stage. He expressed confidence that tariffs could be leveraged to negotiate better terms with Canada, Mexico, and China. In a bold display of negotiating prowess, he stated that a 25% tariff could hit Canadian and Mexican products from day one of his presidency, contingent upon these countries tightening their grips on illegal immigration and that pesky fentanyl trafficking.
With a shrug towards the naysayers in his rearview mirror, Trump claimed the free market would sort out price adjustments and, if necessary, he’d make tweaks himself. His staunch belief in tariffs as a means to wealth creation resonated throughout his comments, with the promise that they would help the nation tackle its whopping $35 trillion debt. So, the next time someone frets about a higher price tag on goods, just remember: Trump sees a gold mine in tariffs, and he’s ready to dig in.
