From invoking America’s industrial past to targeting China with a “discounted” 34% tariff, Donald Trump doubles down on economic nationalism in fiery Rose Garden speech.
Washington, April 2:
U.S. President Donald Trump unveiled what he called “Liberation Day tariffs” in a high-octane address from the White House Rose Garden, laying out a sweeping plan to impose import duties on virtually all foreign goods — a move that may redefine global trade as we know it.
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Calling April 2, 2025, the day that “American industry was reborn,” Trump vowed to protect domestic manufacturers with a 10% baseline tariff on all imports, alongside higher levies for select countries like China (34%), India (26%), and the EU (20%).
“For decades, our country has been looted… This is our declaration of economic independence,” said Trump.
🔥 Key Quotes From Trump’s Tariff Talk:
🗣️ “A Little Tough Love”
“They all understand we’re going to have to go through a little tough love, maybe. But they all understand. They’re ripping us off and they knew it.”
Trump claimed that leaders including China’s Xi Jinping recognize the necessity of the tariffs, even if they don’t publicly endorse them.
Also Read: “Ready To Fight”: World Leaders Respond to Trump’s Global Tariff Shock
🧾 “Discounted Reciprocal Tariffs”
“So we’re going to be charging a discounted reciprocal tariff of 34% on Chinese imports. They charge us more, we charge them less. How can anybody be upset?”
He referred to China’s total effective tariff rate on U.S. goods — factoring in currency manipulation — as 67%, saying his move was still generous in comparison.
🇺🇸 “Economic Independence”
“This is one of the most important days in American history… Our country has been pillaged by friends and foes alike.”
Trump painted the tariff policy as a return to American self-reliance, echoing 19th-century protectionism, notably invoking President William McKinley.
💬 “We Are Being Very Kind”
“We’re being very kind. We’ll charge them half of what they’re charging us.”
In his view, the tariffs are not just punitive, but fair. He said if other nations want a 0% rate, they should “build their product right here in America.“
📉 “The Great Depression Wouldn’t Have Happened…”
“The Depression would have never happened if they had stayed with the tariff policy.”
Trump blamed the 1913 switch to income tax and the abandonment of tariff-backed revenue for leading to the 1929 crash, omitting broader economic causes.
🚫 “No More Surrender”
“The United States can no longer continue with the policy of unilateral economic surrender.”
He singled out Canada, Mexico, and others, saying the U.S. would no longer foot the bill for their deficits and poor trade behavior.
🧭 What’s Next?
Trump’s move has rattled allies and adversaries alike, with leaders from Canada, Australia, the EU, and UK voicing strong opposition. While Trump insists these tariffs will revive American manufacturing and reduce dependence on imports, critics argue it risks triggering a global trade war.
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Trump tariffs, Donald Trump speech, Liberation Day tariffs, U.S. trade war, China import duties, economic nationalism, American manufacturing, global trade war, reciprocal tariffs, protectionism, White House Rose Garden, Xi Jinping, income tax history, Great Depression, U.S.-China relations, India import tariffs, trade policy 2025