Here’s what President Trump had to say.
Washington, D.C. — President Donald J. Trump stated Friday that China would have suffered devastating consequences in a prolonged trade war if not for the recent agreement, highlighting a revitalized American spirit following his return to the White House.
“If I hadn’t struck that deal with China, they might have collapsed entirely. We wouldn’t. We’re strong. America doesn’t break,” Trump told Fox News anchor Bret Baier on Special Report.
Trump credited the nation’s renewed strength to his November 5 election victory over former Vice President Kamala Harris.
“The American people have spirit again—and that’s because we won. Our country is hopeful, confident, and roaring back,” Trump said.
The president’s remarks come after a high-stakes economic standoff between the United States and China, sparked by Trump’s Liberation Day tariff policy last month. That bold move saw tariffs on Chinese imports surge to 145%, rattling markets and sending a clear message: American jobs come first.
Under the new U.S.-China agreement, the Trump administration reduced tariffs on Chinese goods from 145% down to 30%. In response, Beijing lowered its own tariffs on American products from 125% to just 10%.
In a major win for U.S. manufacturers and farmers, China also agreed to lift damaging non-tariff barriers—economic roadblocks that had quietly been strangling American exporters.
Tariff Pause a Tactical Decision, Not a Retreat
While some left-leaning media outlets claimed Trump backed down due to political pressure, sources close to the negotiations revealed the tariff pause is part of a broader, long-range strategy.
“This isn’t about retreat. It’s about precision. We hit hard, got their attention, and now we’re locking in the advantage,” said one senior White House official.
Reports indicated that some of Trump’s core base—blue-collar workers, farmers, and retirees—felt the pinch during the tariff spike. But Trump made clear that his loyalty lies with them and that the long-term benefits will outweigh the short-term challenges.
The president also announced a 90-day suspension of most reciprocal tariffs on other global trade partners, including a breakthrough U.S.-U.K. trade deal signed just last week. This has been widely praised by economic analysts as a stabilizing move.
What’s Next? More Tariffs, More Leverage
Trump signaled Friday that once the temporary tariff pause expires, new measures will be announced—potentially even tougher on foreign competitors who continue to exploit U.S. markets.
“We’re not done yet. We’re bringing jobs home, and we’re doing it our way,” Trump stated.
Bottom Line: Trump’s America is Back in Charge
With renewed American confidence, a tough stance on China, and growing momentum across trade deals, President Trump’s economic policy is being welcomed by conservative voters—especially older Americans who remember what real strength on the world stage looks like.