Donald Trump Criticizes India, China, and Brazil as “Tremendous Tariff-Makers”

Former U.S. President Donald Trump stirred up fresh controversy on Tuesday by denouncing India, China, and Brazil as “tremendous tariff-makers.”

Speaking at a retreat with House Republicans in Florida, Trump vowed to prioritize American interests, declaring, “We’re not going to let that happen any longer because we’re going to put America first.“

The former president accused the three countries—key members of the influential BRICS bloc—of pursuing policies that harm U.S. economic interests. While acknowledging they were acting in their national interests, Trump insisted their actions were detrimental to America.

“They basically want to make their country good. China is a tremendous tariff-maker, and India, Brazil, and so many other countries. But we’re not going to let that happen any longer,” he said to enthusiastic applause.

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Trump reiterated his administration’s commitment to imposing high tariffs on foreign imports, particularly targeting countries he claimed unfairly benefit at America’s expense. He also suggested foreign companies, including those from BRICS nations, could avoid tariffs by shifting production to the United States.

“If you want to avoid tariffs, build your plant right here in America,” Trump declared. He highlighted plans to impose tariffs on key materials such as steel, aluminum, and copper, which are essential to U.S. military production. “There was a time we made a ship a day. Now we can’t… We don’t know what the hell we’re doing,” he lamented, emphasizing the need to revive American manufacturing.

Under his “America First” economic agenda, Trump claimed that higher tariffs on foreign goods would lower taxes for American workers and businesses, thereby creating jobs and boosting domestic industries.

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Trump’s comments come at a delicate time, as Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to meet him in Washington soon. The two leaders reportedly spoke over the phone recently, though it remains unclear if tariffs were discussed.

However, this is not the first time Trump has criticized India on trade matters. During his campaign, he referred to India as a “very big abuser” of the trade system.

India, the U.S.’s largest trading partner, is likely to view these remarks with concern, particularly given its close economic and strategic ties with Washington.

Trump also emphasized the use of tariffs as a strategic tool, referencing his administration’s clash with Colombia over deportations.

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When the South American nation initially refused to accept deported individuals, the Trump administration imposed a 25% tariff, sparking a brief trade standoff. Ultimately, Colombian President Gustavo Petro acquiesced, a move Trump heralded as a victory.

White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt echoed the sentiment, stating, “Today’s events make clear to the world that America is respected again.”

While Trump’s tariff-driven economic agenda aims to reinvigorate U.S. manufacturing and reduce dependency on foreign imports, critics argue his approach risks damaging trade relationships and raising costs for American consumers.

The former president remains steadfast in his belief that tariffs will strengthen America’s economic standing, stating, “As tariffs on other countries go up, taxes on American workers and businesses will come down, and massive numbers of jobs and factories will come home.”