Here’s what Trump had to say.
In a recent interview with Maria Bartiromo on Fox News, President Donald Trump addressed concerns regarding the potential economic impacts of his tariff policies, particularly with regard to whether a recession could be looming for the United States.
When asked by Bartiromo if he expected the U.S. economy to face a recession, Trump was cautious in his response. “I don’t like to predict things like that,” he said. “What we’re doing is big. We’re bringing wealth back to America, and there will be a transition period. Change of this magnitude always takes time. But ultimately, this should be fantastic for our country.”
Trump emphasized that his goal is to revitalize American industry and bring manufacturing jobs back to U.S. shores. He acknowledged that, while there may be short-term disruptions, especially within the stock market, the long-term impact will be positive for American workers. “You can’t focus on the short-term fluctuations in the stock market,” Trump noted. “We need to look at the big picture. China thinks in terms of 100-year plans. We can’t just be concerned with quarterly results.”
Bartiromo pressed the President on the uncertainty surrounding his tariff decisions, pointing out concerns from business leaders about the lack of predictability. Trump responded by saying that while he was open to the idea of tariffs rising over time, the goal is ultimately to level the playing field for American companies that have been taken advantage of by unfair trade practices for decades.
In addition, Trump shrugged off worries about potential price hikes resulting from tariffs, particularly in industries like steel, aluminum, and pharmaceuticals. “We’re bringing back manufacturing jobs, and we’ll be paying lower interest rates too. The economy is on the right track,” Trump added.
Looking ahead, Trump also suggested that tariffs on foreign goods could increase as he continues to take a hard line on trade, warning that the U.S. would no longer accept one-sided agreements that hurt American businesses.
President Trump’s stance on tariffs, while controversial, remains rooted in his broader vision of restoring America’s manufacturing base, curbing China’s economic dominance, and ensuring American workers are no longer left behind by trade deals that prioritize other countries over the U.S.