Trump's Tariff Plan Aims to Push US-Made Tanks, Not Homegrown T-Shirts | WPN World People News

Reuters reports: On the 25th, U.S. President Donald Trump stated in an interview in New Jersey that the country’s tariff policy is aimed at strengthening domestic defense and artificial intelligence (AI) industries, rather than boosting production of sneakers and T-shirts. He agreed with Treasury Secretary Bessent’s view that the U.S. does not need a booming textile industry, but should instead focus on high-tech and military manufacturing.

The National Council of Textile Organizations expressed disappointment, emphasizing that the U.S. textile industry produced a large amount of personal protective equipment (PPE) during the COVID-19 pandemic and continues to supply the military with 8,000 essential products to reduce reliance on foreign adversaries. They argued that the textile sector still holds strategic value for the U.S. and should not be easily dismissed.

Trump’s recent tariff policies have caused global market fluctuations, particularly after he threatened on May 23 to impose a 50% tariff on European Union goods starting June 1. He also warned Apple that iPhones sold in the U.S. but not manufactured domestically could face a 25% tariff. However, on the 25th, Trump confirmed that in order to continue trade negotiations, he has agreed to postpone the EU tariff deadline to July 9.