In a striking declaration at the National Republican Congressional Committee’s fundraising event Tuesday evening, President Donald Trump claimed nations are queuing up for trade talks following his fresh policy rollouts. Trump referred to the current “tariff situation” as both favourable and historic during his speech.
Today, speaking from the White House, press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed Trump’s stance on tariffs, suggesting they’re leverage for better trade deals and expressed readiness for external tariff negotiations, stating, “Bring us your best offers and he will listen.”
Trump proclaimed: “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.”
He didn’t hold back on criticising internal dissent either, continuing with, “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.”
President Trump has remained bullish on his global tariffs plan despite the backlash (Image: Chip Somodevilla, Getty Images)
Despite facing flak even from allies regarding his steep China tariffs, Trump remained resolute. He justified them as retribution for years of China’s exploitation, asserting, “It’s our turn to do the rippin’.”
Trump acknowledged potential criticisms over his steep 104 per cent tariffs but countered by insisting that China historically imposed similarly high tariffs on the US.
He also gloated about the expected aftermath of the new tariffs, boasting, “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.”
