In a fiery series of posts on Truth Social, US President Donald Trump on Sunday defended his tariff policy, calling critics “fools” and claiming that the levies are helping transform America into “the richest, most respected country in the world.”
Trump argued that tariffs — long a cornerstone of his economic agenda — have strengthened the US economy, boosted the stock market, and generated record revenue.
“People that are against Tariffs are FOOLS!” Trump wrote. “Under my leadership, the United States has become the richest, most respected country in the world, with almost no inflation, and a record stock market price.”
“$2,000 Dividend for Every American”
In one of his most striking claims, Trump promised that the US would soon pay a “dividend of at least $2,000 per person” (excluding high-income individuals) from the “trillions of dollars” collected through tariffs.
While Trump provided no specifics or legislative details, he framed the payout as a direct benefit of his trade and tariff policies, which he claimed are helping pay down America’s $37 trillion national debt.
“We’re taking in trillions of dollars from tariffs,” he wrote. “401(k)s are at record highs, and factories are going up all over the country.”
The 401(k) reference points to the retirement savings accounts that many Americans use to invest for the future, with Trump asserting that these portfolios are performing “better than ever.”
Economic Optimism Amid Political Turbulence
Trump’s remarks come amid a backdrop of Democratic victories in recent state elections — particularly the upset win by Zohran Mamdani in the New York mayoral race, which reportedly irked the president.
Nevertheless, Trump insisted that record investments are pouring into the US, citing a resurgence in manufacturing and industrial projects under his administration.
Political analysts note that Trump’s renewed defense of tariffs may be aimed at rallying his voter base ahead of the upcoming midterm elections, positioning tariffs as a symbol of economic nationalism and self-reliance.
Attacks on Obamacare and Filibuster
In the same flurry of Truth Social posts, Trump also urged Republicans to eliminate the Senate filibuster and end the ongoing government shutdown.
“Republicans should terminate the Filibuster (THE DEMS WILL DO IT THE FIRST CHANCE THEY GET!), end the Shutdown, pass lots of great ‘things,’ and win the Midterms. SO EASY TO DO — be the smart party, not the stupid party!” he wrote.
Trump also reignited his long-standing criticism of Obamacare, calling it “the worst healthcare for the highest price” and urging lawmakers to “Pay the People, Not the Insurance Companies!”
Context: Tariffs at the Core of Trump’s Economic Policy
Trump’s tariff-first approach has defined his economic agenda since 2018, when he imposed steep levies on Chinese imports and later expanded tariffs to include Europe, Mexico, and Canada.
Economists remain divided on the impact. While Trump claims tariffs bring in massive revenue, critics argue they raise consumer prices and strain international trade relations.
Still, Trump’s supporters see the policy as proof of his “America First” doctrine — a message he appears keen to amplify as he gears up for another election cycle.
