President Donald Trump has defended his administration’s significant tariff hikes on several countries, including Nigeria and China, asserting that the United States is finally reclaiming its economic strength after years of being exploited.
On Monday, Trump explained that the new tariffs target imported goods from various sectors, warning nations not to retaliate, or they could face further action. Nigeria is one of the countries impacted by the revised trade policy.
Trump’s administration has indicated that the tariffs aim to address trade imbalances and protect American industries from what it sees as unfair foreign practices. Products such as oil, leather, and agricultural goods are among those affected in this round of tariffs.
In a social media post, Trump stated that the tariffs were not only effective but long overdue. “Oil prices are down, interest rates are down (the slow-moving Fed should cut rates!), food prices are down, there is no inflation, and the long-time abused USA is bringing in billions of dollars a week from the countries that have been taking advantage,” he said.
He also criticized China, calling it the biggest offender, noting that the country had recently raised its tariffs by 34% despite his warnings against retaliatory actions. “They’ve made enough, for decades, taking advantage of the Good OL’ USA!” Trump added.
Trump also blamed past U.S. leaders for allowing such economic weaknesses, saying, “Our past ‘leaders’ are to blame for allowing this, and so much else, to happen to our country. Make America great again!”
The tariffs are part of Trump’s broader economic strategy, which emphasizes boosting domestic manufacturing and reducing reliance on imports. However, critics warn that this approach could lead to trade wars and higher prices for American consumers.