In a recent interview, former President Donald Trump faced tough questions about his proposal to implement a 200% tariff on foreign auto companies. During the discussion on Fox News with host Maria Bartiromo, the Republican candidate defended his controversial economic plan, which he claims will drive foreign car manufacturers out of the U.S. market and help domestic automakers thrive.
Bartiromo opened the discussion by addressing concerns raised by The Wall Street Journal about Trump’s proposed tariffs. “The Wall Street Journal said that your plans will increase the debt and deficits more than Kamala Harris’,” Bartiromo pointed out to Trump on Sunday, referencing the publication’s criticism of his economic policies.
Trump was quick to push back against these concerns. “If I do this, you’re gonna have car companies coming back to the country because of the taxes and the tariffs,” he responded confidently. “I’m gonna put a 200% tariff on every car, and you’re not gonna ever sell them into the United States.”
Bartiromo then pressed the former president on the potential impact his plan could have on American consumers. “But what about the criticism, and the Journal has done this as well, that if you do put something like a 200% tariff on a product, that it’s only gonna mean higher prices for consumers?” she asked. “It’s gotta be passed on somehow.”
Trump, however, appeared unfazed by the concern of rising costs. “All I’m doing is saying, I’ll put 200 or 500, I don’t care,” Trump replied, implying that he would be flexible with the tariff number if needed. “I’ll put a number where they can’t sell one car into the United [States]. I don’t want them to sell their car because I don’t want them hurting our car companies.”
The interview showcased Trump’s continued emphasis on protectionist economic policies, a stance that has defined much of his political career. While his bold tariffs may appeal to some voters eager to bolster American manufacturing, critics argue that such moves could lead to increased consumer prices and strain international trade relations.
As Trump’s campaign pushes forward, his economic strategies are likely to remain a hot topic of debate, particularly as they attract scrutiny from experts and media outlets like The Wall Street Journal.