Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS
“President Trump on Monday said he will not reverse his decision to impose tariffs on steel and aluminum, predicting the U.S. could avoid a trade war if he forges ahead.
“No, we’re not backing down,” Trump told reporters at the White House, saying the U.S. “has been ripped off by virtually every country in the world, whether it’s friend or enemy,” on trade.
Asked if the move could trigger a global trade war, Trump responded, “I don’t think you’re going to have a trade war.”
The president spoke during a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Trump’s comments come as he is facing mounting pressure from Republicans in Congress and business groups to go back on his decision.
In a rare move, Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) publicly rebuked the president’s decision to levy the tariffs against imported steel and aluminum. ”
READ: thehill.com/homenews/administration/376778-trump-were-not-backing-down-on-steel-tar