Trump claims world leaders eager for tariff deals

Washington

During a speech at the National Republican Congressional Committee dinner, U.S. President Donald Trump made bold remarks about ongoing global trade negotiations, claiming that world leaders are “desperate” to strike deals with the United States.

“I am telling you, these countries are calling us up, kissing my ass," Trump said, suggesting foreign governments are eager to resolve tariff tensions. “They are dying to make a deal. 'Please, please sir, make a deal. I'll do anything sir’.”

Trump’s new tariffs, announced on April 2, took effect Wednesday. They include a steep 104% duty on Chinese imports and tariffs ranging from 11% to 50% on goods from the EU and other nations.

He also hinted at a major tariff move on pharmaceuticals. “We’re going to tariff our pharmaceuticals and once we do that they’re going to come rushing back into our country,” he said, according to Fox News. “They will leave China… because they have to sell — most of their product is sold here.”

While Trump provided no specifics about the pharmaceutical duties, he expressed confidence that such tariffs would encourage companies to bring manufacturing back to the U.S.

The president's aggressive trade policies have sparked strong reactions globally and intensified the ongoing trade tensions with major economic partners.