Trump criticizes Putin and threatens opponents with new tariffs before the deadline

Trump criticizes Putin and threatens opponents with new tariffs before the deadline

President Donald Trump is heading full steam ahead self-imposed deadline of April 2nd to impose comprehensive tariffs and is threatening additional tariffs against foreign opponents next weekend, even as he remains open to trade deals.

“Liberation Day” and the threat of tariffs

Trump has declared April 2 as “Liberation Day” and promised generous reciprocal tariffs on an unspecified number of countries as well as 25% tariffs on automobiles and auto parts. But he also warned of more tariffs against countries hostile to the U.S., such as Russia and Iran, in a phone interview with NBC News' Kristen Welker over the weekend.

Sharp criticism of Putin

In this interview, Trump openly expressed his dissatisfaction with Russian President Vladimir Putin. "I was very angry - angry - when Putin started attacking Zelensky's credibility, because that's not the right way, you know?" Trump said, referring to comments by the Russian leader who suggested last week that Ukraine be placed under a "temporary administration" while the two countries work toward an agreement.

Secondary tariffs as a means of pressure

Trump warned that a failure to reach a deal could lead to secondary tariffs. "If Russia and I are unable to reach an agreement to end the bloodshed in Ukraine, and if I believe it is Russia's fault, which may not be the case, but if I think it is Russia's fault, I will impose secondary tariffs on oil, on all oil from Russia," he said.

Agreement with Russia and relation to Iran

The White House announced last week, that an agreement has been reached to prohibit Russia from using force in the Black Sea once sanctions on its banks and exports related to the invasion of Ukraine are lifted. This agreement was well short of an originally proposed 30-day full ceasefire.

Asked if he would talk to Putin this week if he "does the right thing," Trump replied: "Yes." In the same interview, he indicated that he was "considering imposing secondary tariffs on Iran... until such time as an agreement is signed." During his first term, Trump withdrew the U.S. from a 2015 nuclear deal between Iran and world powers that imposed tough restrictions on Tehran's controversial nuclear program in exchange for lifting sanctions.

Economic Impact and Future of Tariffs

Trump has previously acknowledged that his upcoming tariffs could cause some economic disruption. His top economic advisers sought to downplay the uncertainty and economic impact of Wednesday's announcements. Kevin Hassett, director of the National Economic Council, declined to say how many countries would be affected by the reciprocal tariffs, clarifying on Sunday that the plans were still pending.

“President Trump will decide how many countries are affected,” Hassett said during an appearance on Fox News’ “Sunday Morning Futures” with Maria Bartiromo. Hassett seemed to suggest that the president has not yet made any final decisions.

"President Trump has a long-term vision for America's golden age, and we are working really hard to make that happen in a timely manner. But I can't give you any forward-looking information about what will happen this week. The president has a lot to analyze, and he will make the right decision," Hassett added.

Willingness to negotiate and future agreements

At the same time, Trump showed a certain openness to negotiations in his conversation with Welker. "Only if people are willing to give us something of great value. Because countries have valuable things. Otherwise there is no room for negotiations," he said.

On Friday, Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One that any deal would likely come after the tariff notice. The president has long believed in using tariffs – and the threat of tariffs – as a key negotiating tool. But the back-and-forth over tariffs earlier this month rattled markets and raised concerns and uncertainty for American businesses and consumers.

Arguments for tariffs and market turbulence

Peter Navarro, the president's senior adviser on trade and manufacturing, dismissed concerns about rising prices for consumers. "Tariffs are tax cuts, tariffs create jobs, tariffs are national security, tariffs are great for Americans. Tariffs will make America great again," he said on "Fox News Sunday" with Shannon Bream.

CNN has reported, that Americans won't feel the full impact of tariffs immediately, but that import taxes could raise prices on almost everything, especially since over 40% of the goods America imported last year came from the countries Trump has targeted.

Bream asked Navarro whether the tariffs would affect day-to-day costs. He pointed to revenue from automobile tariffs that will support tax cuts and promised "the largest tax cut in American history for the middle class." “Overall, as they say, consumers and Americans will be better off, including any jobs they get,” he said.

Asked again about polls reflecting widespread belief that tariffs will make products more expensive, and Trump's own statement that tariffs could lead to "some disruption," Navarro said people "should have confidence in Trump." "Trust Trump. We have the example from the first term. We know we put historically high tariffs on China. We put tariffs on aluminum and steel. We put tariffs on washing machines and solar panels. ... All we got out of it was prosperity and price stability. And the reason we won't see inflation is because foreigners are going to pick up most of the costs. They have to," he said.