Donald Trump’s most aggressive trade policy didn’t just appear when he stepped into the White House—it had been brewing for years.
A newly resurfaced video from 2011 gives insight into Trump’s long-standing stance on tariffs, particularly when it comes to China.
Back then, as a private citizen, Trump was already vocal about what he saw as unfair trade practices.
In the video, he criticized then-President Barack Obama’s approach to trade, proposing a much tougher economic stance—one that would later become a defining feature of his presidency.
The Origins of Trump’s Tariff Plan
In the 2011 clip, Trump didn’t hold back.
“It’s so easy,” he said confidently, leaning into the microphone.
“I’d drop a 25 percent tax on China.” The crowd erupted in applause as he laid out his vision for a trade policy that would eventually shape his administration’s approach.
Fast forward to his presidency, and that bold claim turned into action.
While he never imposed a 25 percent across-the-board tariff, he did implement significant taxes on Chinese imports, including a 30 percent tariff on solar panels in 2018.
This move triggered a back-and-forth trade war with China, leading to retaliatory taxes on American goods worth billions.
Even after leaving office in 2021, Trump’s stance on tariffs never wavered.
Upon his return to the White House in January 2025, one of his first major economic moves was to enforce a sweeping 10 percent tariff on all goods entering the U.S. from China.
Tariffs and Their Impact on Consumers
At its core, a tariff is a tax on imports and exports.
When a country imposes tariffs, companies importing goods have to pay extra, which often leads to higher prices for consumers.
While Trump argues that tariffs will strengthen America’s economy, critics warn that they could lead to increased costs for everyday goods.
Trump himself acknowledged there might be some financial strain but remained steadfast in his decision.
“Will there be some pain? Yes, maybe (and maybe not!),” he posted on his Truth Social platform after signing the executive order for the new tariffs.
“But we will Make America Great Again, and it will all be worth the price that must be paid.”
His administration has also expanded tariffs beyond Chinese imports, targeting steel and aluminum products entering the U.S.
The strategy, according to the White House, is to generate revenue that could offset planned Republican tax cuts.
Republican Concerns and Economic Debate
While Trump remains committed to his tariff-heavy approach, not everyone in his party is on board.
Some Republican lawmakers are raising concerns about the broader economic impact, particularly on consumers and businesses.
Wisconsin Senator Ron Johnson recently questioned the revenue projections, saying, “I’ve heard figures of almost $1 trillion in revenue or replacing the income tax.
I’m just not seeing it.” Meanwhile, The Wall Street Journal Editorial Board didn’t hold back in its criticism, calling Trump’s latest round of tariffs “the dumbest trade war in history.”
The backdrop of these economic decisions is significant.
Trump won reelection in 2024 amid ongoing concerns about inflation, which had peaked at over 9 percent in 2022.
With prices already high, some worry that additional tariffs could worsen the situation.
What’s Next for Trump’s Trade Policy?
Despite the criticism and potential risks, Trump shows no signs of backing down.
He has floated the idea of imposing tariffs of 10 to 20 percent on nearly all imports, signaling that his trade war isn’t over yet.
“Very simple, they charge us, we charge them,” he said in a recent statement.
“Tariffs are going to help. Tariffs are going to make it very successful.”
As his administration moves forward, the question remains—will these policies boost the American economy as Trump promises, or will they lead to even higher costs for businesses and consumers? The coming months will reveal whether his long-standing trade vision pays off or sparks further economic turbulence.