March 31, 2025 — President Donald Trump has doubled down on his aggressive tariff strategy, declaring in a March 29 interview that he “couldn’t care less” if foreign automakers raise prices in response to impending 25 percent tariffs on imported cars and components. Set to take effect on April 2, dubbed “Liberation Day,” these tariffs aim to bolster American manufacturing, and Trump predicts they’ll drive consumers toward U.S.-made vehicles.
Speaking to NBC News in a Saturday phone interview, Trump dismissed concerns about price hikes, arguing that any increase would only benefit domestic automakers. His comments come as the Trump administration prepares to implement sweeping duties, with temporary exemptions for companies under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) until a formal process is established.
Trump’s Tariff Vision: Boosting American Cars
Trump’s message to automotive CEOs was clear: build in the U.S. or face the consequences. “If you make your car in the United States, you’re going to make a lot of money. If you don’t, you’re going to have to probably come to the United States,” he told NBC. When asked if he urged executives to avoid raising prices, he replied, “No, I never said that. I couldn’t care less if they raise prices, because people are going to start buying American-made cars.”
He reiterated his stance multiple times, emphasizing that higher foreign car prices would steer buyers toward American options. “I hope they raise their prices, because if they do, people are going to buy American-made cars. We have plenty,” Trump added. An aide later clarified to NBC that his comments specifically targeted foreign car price increases, a point also noted by The Epoch Times, which has requested the full interview transcript.
Permanent Tariffs and “Liberation Day”
The 25 percent tariffs on foreign cars and parts, set to begin April 2, 2025, are intended to be permanent, according to Trump. “Absolutely, they’re permanent, sure. The world has been ripping off the United States for the last 40 years and more. And all we’re doing is being fair,” he said, framing the policy as a long-overdue correction to global trade imbalances. The tariffs will also apply to various consumer goods, with Trump open to negotiations only if other countries offer “something of great value.”
The White House has positioned these measures as a cornerstone of Trump’s economic agenda, aiming to shrink the U.S. trade deficit and revitalize domestic manufacturing. While some critics warn of potential price shocks for consumers, Trump remains unfazed, betting that American carmakers will fill the gap.
A Bold Move with Broad Implications
Trump’s tariff plan, kicking off just days from now, marks a significant escalation in his trade policy. As reported by Planet Today, the administration sees this as a way to “equalize” trade worldwide. Whether foreign automakers pass costs onto consumers or relocate production to the U.S., Trump believes the outcome will favor American workers and industry—a gamble that could reshape the global automotive market.
Author: Planet Today Staff, with contributions from NBC News and The Epoch Times.
По материалам: http://www.planet-today.com/2025/03/trump-on-tariffs-couldnt-care-less-if.html