Trump announces reciprocal tariffs on India, EU, China
US President Donald Trump, in his first address to a joint session of Congress, reaffirmed his administration’s stance on trade by announcing that reciprocal tariffs will take effect on April 2. He criticized the European Union, China, Brazil, India, and South Korea for imposing high tariffs on American goods.
“Whatever they tax us, we tax them,” Trump declared. “Other countries have used tariffs against us for decades, and now it is our turn to start using them against those other countries.”
Trump accused nations like India, China, and South Korea of unfair trade practices, saying, “India charges us tariffs of 100 percent. China’s average tariff on our products is twice what we charge them. South Korea’s is four times higher.” He emphasized that the US would impose equal tariffs on these countries and introduce non-monetary trade barriers if necessary.
Addressing concerns about foreign imports, Trump argued that many goods entering the US are unregulated, stating, “They’re uninspected, they may be very dirty and disgusting, and they pour in, hurting our American farmers.”
Economic Policies and Inflation Criticism
Trump blamed the previous administration for economic struggles, saying, “We inherited an economic catastrophe and an inflation nightmare. Their policies drove up energy prices and made necessities unaffordable. We suffered the worst inflation in 48 years.” He vowed to reverse these issues and “make America affordable again.”
As part of his economic plan, Trump proposed making interest payments on car loans tax-deductible—but only if the vehicle is made in the US. He also pledged to cut taxes on domestic production and assured that Social Security benefits for seniors would remain tax-free.
Trump further promised lower energy costs, criticizing the Biden administration for shutting down over 100 power plants. “We are opening up many of those power plants right now,” he asserted.
Reshaping America
During his speech, Democrats interrupted with groans and shouts of “Not true!” and “Lies!” as Trump claimed his administration had made significant budget cuts.
Despite the opposition, Trump remained confident in his vision for the country, stating, “The American Dream is surging—bigger and better than ever before. Our country is on the verge of a comeback like the world has never seen.”
He also boasted about his administration’s rapid progress, claiming, “We have accomplished more in 43 days than most administrations accomplish in four or eight years—and we are just getting started.”
Trump vowed to continue his efforts to reshape the US government and end the Ukraine war, declaring, “Whatever the cost, we will get it done.” His speech was met with chants of “USA, USA!” from his supporters in Congress.
