During a tense White House briefing, Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt rejected claims that President Trump’s tariff policy equates to a tax increase. Responding to an Associated Press question about Trump’s shift from tax cuts to tariffs, Leavitt argued that tariffs target foreign nations exploiting U.S. trade, not American consumers. “He’s not raising taxes,” she asserted, emphasizing that tariffs aim to restore trade balance, protect U.S. industries, and boost wages.
Leavitt dismissed concerns about higher consumer costs, stating that fair trade would yield long-term economic benefits, including higher wages and a thriving economy. She criticized past trade deals for harming American workers and expressed frustration at media challenges to her economic knowledge. Leavitt’s defense aligns with Trump’s “America First” agenda, prioritizing American workers through renegotiated trade deals and tariffs, despite debate over their impact on prices. The administration remains committed to its economic vision, viewing tariffs as a tool for a more equitable U.S. economy.
