Kennedy argues Trump ‘disruptive’ tariffs have paved the way to improve trade
Senator John Kennedy (R-LA) recently commented on President Donald Trump’s use of tariffs, describing them as initially “disruptive” but suggesting that they are begining to yield positive results. He acknowledged the tariffs imposed on various countries have been a controversial aspect of Trump’s policy and have contributed to his low approval ratings. Kennedy noted that while tariffs are intended to level the playing field in trade, Trump’s approach has prompted some countries to reconsider their own trade barriers, suggesting a move towards mutual reductions.
He expressed uncertainty regarding the long-term outcomes of the tariffs but highlighted that the President has clear goals in mind. Kennedy also pointed out other achievements from Trump’s first 100 days, such as advancements in border security and a shift in national discussions surrounding government budgets. He remarked that while it may be challenging to identify meaningful successes so soon in a presidency, Trump’s aggressive stance has sparked notable reactions in Europe, possibly leading to beneficial changes in the continent’s defense and economic policies.
As Trump approaches his 100-day milestone, he plans to celebrate with a rally in Michigan, underscoring his continuing engagement with key states from his electoral base.
Kennedy argues Trump ‘disruptive’ tariffs have paved the way to improve trade
Sen. John Kennedy (R-LA) suggested President Donald Trump’s gamble in using tariffs has started to pay off but acknowledged that they have been “disruptive” to the country during Trump’s first 100 days in office.
The president is facing low approval ratings after a little more than three months back in the White House, with tariffs on dozens of countries arguably being his most controversial policy among voters. Kennedy explained that tariffs are used by a country’s government to intervene in the exchange of goods. He said Trump “decided to do something” about China and other countries putting the United States at a disadvantage.
“He basically got up and said, ‘I want everybody to say hello to my little friends,’ and he jacked up tariffs, American tariffs, and half the valley shook,” he said. “But then a strange thing happened. I thought that other countries would blow up and would enter into a trade war. Instead, many other countries have said, ‘No mas.’ They‘ve said, ‘OK, we want to lower our trade barriers, but you‘ve got to lower yours, America,’ and I think that‘s a good thing. I think our goal here ought to be to lower trade barriers and tariffs on both sides.”
Kennedy said he does not know how the tariffs will pan out but that Trump has suggested what he intends to do with them. It comes as the president is expected to sign an executive order providing some relief from auto tariffs.
The Louisiana senator contended that it is “hard to find the honey in the rock” within 100 days of a new president. However, he spotlighted what Trump has accomplished within this time, including securing the nation’s southern border and shifting the national conversation on the federal budget, referring to the waste the Department of Government Efficiency has uncovered.
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Another benefit to come out of Trump’s first 100 days, which Kennedy argued some would find “a little strange,” is how the president’s “loud existence has awakened Europe,” claiming that “drastic changes” are happening with the continent’s defense and economy. He said it is possible the Europeans could look back in a decade from now and “thank” the U.S. president for awakening Europe from its “slumber.”
Trump is planning to mark his 100th day in office by hosting a rally in Michigan, a state he won in the 2016 and 2024 Electoral College. A separate party to mark the occasion is being held on the same evening in Arlington, Virginia.
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