In a fiery Cabinet meeting this week, President Donald Trump doubled down on his trade policy legacy, touting the impact of tariffs on U.S. manufacturing while taking direct aim at China’s economic performance 📉.
"If we didn’t do the tariffs, Samsung wouldn’t be building massive facilities here," Trump said.
"They’re building because of the tariffs."
🏗️ Tariffs as a Manufacturing Magnet
Trump claimed that new tariffs are not only leveling the playing field but actively encouraging foreign companies to invest in American infrastructure. Citing Samsung 📱, he said the South Korean electronics giant is planning to build major manufacturing facilities in the U.S. as a direct result of his policies.
And Samsung isn’t alone, according to Trump. He listed a wide range of companies — from Apple 🍎 to Eli Lilly 💊 and Stargate Technologies 🚀 — as part of a broader $7–$8 trillion surge in private investment since his election win.
"We’ve got more money being spent than at any time in American history," Trump told reporters. "Car companies, chip manufacturers, high-tech firms — nobody’s seen anything like it."
Trump also noted that friendly nations like Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦, the UAE 🇦🇪, and Japan 🇯🇵 are pouring money into American industry, emboldened by his firm economic stance.
📆 "It’s the Tariffs — and November 5"
Trump was clear about the timing: he credits not only the tariffs but also his upcoming re-election campaign on November 5 for this renewed momentum.
“They’re building because of the tariffs. And November 5 gave them the tariffs,” Trump said, suggesting that business leaders are responding to the likelihood of his continued leadership.
🇨🇳 "China Is Getting Hammered"
While Trump expressed some personal sympathy for Chinese President Xi Jinping 🇨🇳, he didn’t hold back in describing the toll the trade war is taking on China’s economy.
"I was saddened to hear it — but China is doing very poorly right now," Trump said.
According to Trump, Chinese goods are being outright rejected by the U.S., with ships turning back across the Pacific Ocean due to 145% tariffs on major exports.
“They're sending the biggest cargo ships in the world… and they're turning around mid-ocean,” he said. “Nobody wants the goods.”
🔐 Intellectual Property & Fair Trade
The former president also emphasized that the issue extends beyond just tariffs and product imports. He called for broader reforms from China — including on intellectual property theft and unfair business practices.
“We don’t want their product unless they’re going to be fair with us,” Trump insisted. “That includes IP rights and many other things beyond just trade. We want China to do well — but only if they treat us fairly.”
🤝 "Hope for a Deal… But on Our Terms"
Despite the hardline stance, Trump left the door open for future negotiations.
"At a certain point, I hope we’re going to make a deal with China."
But as always, Trump made it clear: any agreement must benefit the United States first 🇺🇸.
📊 Bottom Line:
Trump is placing tariffs front and center in his 2025 economic message — pitching them as the secret weapon revitalizing American industry and pressuring global competitors to play fair. Whether you're a supporter or skeptic, the trade war narrative is back in full force, and it’s reshaping both global commerce and the upcoming U.S. election 🗳️.
🗣️ What do you think? Are tariffs hurting or helping America’s economy? Leave a comment below with your thoughts or share this newsletter with your network!