Trump Flaunts How Nations Are “Drooling” for a Tariff Break
Over a brisk morning in Washington, a bunch of Republican donors and the President himself took the stage to brag that a swarm of countries are practically begging to have the U.S. import duties eased. “These countries are calling me up, kissing my ass… they’re dying to make a deal,” Trump declared in a stream‑of‑consciousness tirade that left his entourage chuckling.
He brought the tone home with a self‑confident swagger: “I’ve done what I’ve done, and you know exactly what I’m doing. I’m the only one who’d even consider dropping these tariffs because everyone else was terrified of being ripped off by the world.”
What the Numbers Show
According to the White House’s press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, roughly seventy nations have dialed Washington to negotiate transfer rates, with phones “ringing off the hook.” No details have emerged yet about the exact offer each country is seeking.
- China – slapped with a 104% tariff on goods.
- Vietnam – faced a 46% increase.
- Thailand – nipped at 36%.
- Japan – brought in at 24%.
- European Union – hit by a 20% barrier.
- United Kingdom – automotive imports now carry a 25% duty, while a general 10% levied on other goods.
Why It Matters Right Now
With tariffs about to take effect at 5:00 a.m. UK time, Trump’s cavalier remarks underscore a larger global scramble to decide whether to keep the high tolls or negotiate for relief. For countries on the receiving end, the trade hit is a real pain – some imports have suddenly cost twice as much – while Washington sits on a potentially lucrative bargaining chip.
Takeaway
While Trump gushed about “kissing” his way to deals, observers keep asking: will the tariffs survive the next wave of international pressure, or will we see a “treaty” dance soon? Time—along with a few worn‑out phones—will be the judge.
