The White House on Tuesday cautioned countries that have chosen to retaliate against the United States’ tariffs, declaring that President Donald Trump “will not break.”
The U.S. presidency referenced China’s insistence on not reversing its 34% retaliatory tariffs after President Trump took a similar action last week.
Starting Wednesday morning, an additional 50% tariff will be imposed on Chinese imports on top of the 20% and 34% tariffs previously announced, escalating the trade war.
At a White House briefing on Tuesday, Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt issued a warning to countries that decide to challenge the U.S. rather than negotiate.
“The president’s message has been simple and consistent from the beginning: bring us your best offers and he will listen,” Leavitt said.
The spokesperson stressed that deals will only be made if they benefit American workers and address the nation’s “crippling trade deficits.”
“Countries like China, who have chosen to retaliate and try to double down on their mistreatment of American workers, are making a mistake,” she said.
“President Trump has a spine of steel and he will not break, and America will not break under his leadership.”
Leavitt added that the president is guided by a firm belief that America must produce essential goods for its people and export them to the rest of the world.
