1 hour ago
Last Updated:December 08, 2025, 07:27 IST
Trump defended his sweeping tariff strategy, claiming it has strengthened national security and even helped “end eight wars” through trade pressure rather than military action.
Donald Trump speaks during a Cabinet meeting at the White House (File photo/AP)
US President Donald Trump on Monday defended his expansive tariff strategy, claiming it has not only strengthened America’s economic position but also delivered sweeping national security benefits, including what he described as ending multiple international conflicts.
Speaking to reporters on the red carpet at the Kennedy Center Honours in Washington, DC, Trump framed tariffs as a central pillar of his foreign policy, arguing that trade tools have replaced military force as a means of resolving global disputes.
“We have tremendous flexibility with the current system. It’s unbelievable for national security," Trump said, reiterating a claim he has made repeatedly in recent months.
“I’ve ended eight wars, largely because of trade and because of tariffs."
The President did not specify which conflicts he was referring to, but his comments echo earlier assertions that broad executive authority over trade actions has allowed him to pressure foreign governments without resorting to military escalation.
Trump argued that the tariff structure currently in place gives the United States more leverage than any other policy instrument available to him.
“If we go the other tariff route, and there are other routes we can go, but it won’t give you the same pure national security as this one. This one is swift and very powerful," he said.
The President also stressed that tariff-driven revenue increases have positioned the government to support working-class Americans directly.
“We’re making so much money with tariffs that we’ll also be able to make a nice dividend to middle-income people," he said, adding that the intended beneficiaries would be “middle-income and lower-income people," not wealthy groups.
According to Trump, “countries that were taking advantage of us for many, many years are not taking advantage of us anymore," and despite higher duties, “they’re not complaining. They’d rather not have them, but they’re not saying there’s anything wrong."
Trump’s remarks came ahead of a significant Supreme Court ruling that will determine whether he exceeded presidential authority by using emergency powers to impose sweeping tariffs during his second term.
A coalition of companies and trade groups has challenged his approach, arguing that Trump misused the Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA).
If the court strikes down the current framework, the administration may have to refund billions in collected tariffs, a scenario Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has already warned about.
Despite the looming judgment, Trump insisted he has multiple fallback options.
He maintains that alternative tariff pathways exist, but none, he argued, match the national security strength of the mechanism now under judicial review.
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First Published:
December 08, 2025, 07:26 IST
News world 'Ended 8 Wars With Trade And Tariffs': Donald Trump Reiterates Claim On Conflicts
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