Kevin Hassett defends Trump tariffs on ABC News
White House Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett reiterated his support for President Donald Trump’s tariffs during an interview on ABC News’ “This Week” with host George Stephanopoulos. Hassett claimed that since the tariffs were implemented, over 50 countries have expressed interest in negotiating new trade agreements with the Trump administration. He acknowledged that there may be some short-term pain for consumers, but emphasized the long-term benefits for U.S. manufacturing.
Hassett highlighted the negative impact of cheap goods on American real wages, citing the decrease in prices following China’s entry into the World Trade Organization in 2000. He argued that while prices went down, wages decreased even more, resulting in a net loss for American workers. According to Hassett, the focus should be on creating more jobs and boosting real incomes, rather than just obtaining cheap goods.
The White House official also mentioned that some U.S. auto plants have responded to the tariffs by adding second shifts to their work schedules, indicating a positive impact on the manufacturing sector. When questioned about why Russia was not subjected to additional tariffs, Hassett explained that negotiations with Russia and Ukraine were ongoing, and the administration chose not to complicate the situation by introducing new tariffs at that time.
Stephanopoulos pressed Hassett on Russia’s exemption from the tariffs, to which Hassett responded that the negotiations were crucial for American, Ukrainian, and Russian lives. He emphasized the importance of focusing on peace negotiations that affect thousands of people, rather than introducing new tariffs that could disrupt the delicate balance of the negotiations.
Overall, Hassett’s remarks underscored the administration’s commitment to using tariffs as a tool for negotiating better trade deals and protecting American jobs. The ongoing negotiations with multiple countries, including Russia, demonstrate a strategic approach to addressing trade imbalances and promoting economic growth.
Anders Hagstrom, a reporter with Fox News Digital, covered the interview and provided insights into the key points discussed by Kevin Hassett. For more updates on national politics and breaking news events, follow Anders Hagstrom on Twitter @Hagstrom_Anders or reach out via email at Anders.Hagstrom@Fox.com.
