Washington, DC: In a speech delivered to a joint session of Congress on Tuesday, US President Donald Trump criticized India's import duties. He also addressed tariffs imposed by the European Union, China, Brazil, and Mexico, announcing that the US would implement tariffs on other nations in response to their treatment of American goods.
During his address, Trump indicated that the reciprocal tariffs would take effect on April 2. He expressed his belief that the US has been taken advantage of for decades by nearly every country globally and pledged to put an end to this practice.
Trump stated, "Under my administration, you will face tariffs, and in some instances, they will be quite substantial. Other nations have imposed tariffs on us for years, and now it's time for us to reciprocate. On average, countries like the European Union, China, Brazil, India, Mexico, and Canada impose significantly higher tariffs on us than we do on them. This is fundamentally unjust. For instance, India imposes auto tariffs exceeding 100 percent."
He further noted, "China's average tariff on our products is double what we charge them, while South Korea's average tariff is four times higher. Consider that—four times higher—despite the substantial military and other forms of assistance we provide to South Korea. This situation is occurring with both allies and adversaries."
Emphasizing the unfairness of the current system, Trump remarked, "This system has never been equitable for the United States. Therefore, on April 2nd, I initially wanted to implement this on April 1st, but I didn't want to be associated with April Fool's Day. This decision has significant financial implications for us. I am quite superstitious, so we will proceed on April 2nd. From that date forward, we will impose tariffs in response to the tariffs other countries levy against us."
The President also reiterated his commitment to taxing nations that impose tariffs on the US, asserting that the country has been exploited for years by every nation worldwide.
The relationship is mutually beneficial and involves a reciprocal exchange. Any taxes imposed on us will be met with equivalent taxes from our side. If they implement non-monetary tariffs to restrict our access to their market, we will respond with similar non-monetary barriers to protect our own market. This situation is prevalent, as they often deny us entry into their market. We stand to gain trillions of dollars and create unprecedented job opportunities. I achieved this with China and other nations, while the Biden administration struggled to address the situation due to the overwhelming financial implications. For decades, we have been taken advantage of by nearly every country globally, and we will no longer allow this to continue.
Trump asserted that his administration has achieved more in just 43 days than many others have in four or eight years, emphasizing that this is only the beginning. He expressed confidence that the United States is on the brink of an extraordinary resurgence.
He remarked, "Six weeks ago, I stood under the dome of this Capitol and announced the beginning of America's golden age. Since then, we have taken swift and decisive actions to initiate the most successful era in our nation's history. In just 43 days, we have accomplished more than most administrations do in four or eight years, and we are only getting started. Our spirit, pride, and confidence have returned, and the American Dream is thriving like never before. This dream is unstoppable, and our country is poised for a comeback that is unprecedented and perhaps unparalleled in history."
Trump noted that there is "absolutely nothing I can say" or do to please Democratic lawmakers. He stated, "This is my fifth address to Congress, and once again, I look at the Democrats before me and realize that there is absolutely nothing I can say to make them happy, to elicit a stand, a smile, or applause. There is nothing I can do."
He elaborated, stating, "I could discover a remedy for the most catastrophic disease, one that could decimate entire nations, or reveal solutions to the most significant economic challenges in history, or reduce crime to unprecedented lows. Yet, the individuals present here will neither applaud, nor rise, nor celebrate these monumental accomplishments. They simply will not, regardless of the circumstances. This is my fifth time addressing this audience. It is disheartening, and it should not be this way."
He mentioned that he has enacted nearly 100 executive orders and undertaken over 400 executive actions since taking office on January 20.
"In the last six weeks, I have signed nearly 100 Executive Orders and executed more than 400 Executive Actions—setting a record aimed at restoring common sense, safety, optimism, and prosperity throughout our great nation. The electorate entrusted me with this responsibility, and I am fulfilling it," he stated.
He addressed the declaration of a national emergency at the southern border and criticized former President Joe Biden, labeling him as the "worst President in American history."
He remarked, "Shortly after taking the oath of office, I declared a national emergency concerning our southern border. I mobilized the U.S. military and border patrol to counter the invasion of our nation, and they have performed admirably! Consequently, illegal border crossings last month reached the lowest levels ever recorded... In stark contrast, during Joe Biden's tenure—the worst President in American history—there were hundreds of thousands of illegal crossings each month..."
