Peter Navarro, a senior trade advisor in the White House, defended President Donald Trump’s upcoming tariffs on imports. This announcement comes just before what many expect to be a significant escalation in the ongoing trade war.
Trump has already implemented some tariffs during his second term and has designated April 2 as "Liberation Day." On this day, he plans to introduce a series of new tariffs, including a hefty 25% tax on automotive imports starting April 3.
Despite polls indicating that many Americans are worried these tariffs could harm the economy and jobs, Navarro urged the public to "trust in Trump." He pointed to the successes of the first term, claiming that previous tariffs led to prosperity and stability in prices.
In an interview on “Fox News Sunday,” Navarro emphasized that the tariffs imposed on countries like China, as well as on aluminum, steel, washing machines, and solar panels, resulted in positive outcomes. He assured viewers that any inflation caused by these tariffs would largely be absorbed by foreign producers, who he believes will lower their prices to remain competitive in the U.S. market.
Navarro highlighted the broader goal of these tariffs: restoring American manufacturing. He lamented that the U.S. has shifted to a model where it mainly assembles products rather than producing them. He drew historical parallels, recalling the "arsenal of democracy" from World War II, and noted that the U.S. military’s success relied on vehicles made in American factories.
He criticized the current state of manufacturing, suggesting that many of the jobs and production capabilities have moved to Mexico. Navarro pointed out that large assembly plants there are now responsible for making parts for the U.S. market, a situation he believes needs to change for the country to regain its manufacturing strength.
