When asked about a trade war with China, President Donald Trump was blunt: “Well, you’re in one now.” He defended the conflict, saying, “We have a 100% tariff.”
However, in the same interview, Trump contradicted this tough talk with a significant admission: the high-tariff policy is “not sustainable.” This dual message highlights the president’s complex negotiating position.
He blamed China for the “unsustainable” policy, claiming “they forced me to do that.” This rhetoric comes as he confirmed a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in two weeks.
The meeting is crucial, as a 90-day truce that has paused duties as high as 145% is set to expire on November 10.
Trump’s “fair deal” demand remains his centerpiece. He justified the trade war, despite its unsustainability, by arguing, “If we didn’t have tariffs, we would be exposed as being a nothing.”
