Washington D.C.: In a characteristically fiery address at the National Republican Congressional Committee event, former U.S. President Donald Trump ridiculed foreign nations hit by his past trade tariffs, boasting about his hardline negotiation tactics and promising a new round of tariffs on the pharmaceutical sector.
“I’m telling you—these countries are calling us up, kissing my a. They’re dying to make a deal—‘Please sir, make a deal, I’ll do anything’,” Trump said, drawing laughter and applause from the Republican crowd.
Trump vs. Congress on Trade
Taking aim at what he described as “rebel Republicans” who advocate for Congress-led tariff negotiations, Trump dismissed their efforts as weak and counterproductive.
“Let me tell you, you don’t negotiate like I negotiate,” he said. “Congress takes over negotiating to sell America fast. The happiest people in the world would be China—they wouldn’t be paying 104 per cent, we’d be paying them!”
Trump insisted that his aggressive trade stance had forced countries to reconsider their approach and put America first in negotiations.
Pharma Sector in the Crosshairs
In a significant policy teaser, Trump announced plans for sweeping tariffs on the pharmaceutical industry, citing the reliance on foreign manufacturing and soaring domestic drug prices.
“We don’t make our own pharma drugs; they’re made in another country. The same packet in the U.S. is priced at $10 or more. We are going to tariff pharma in such a way that companies will come rushing to us very soon,” he stated.
Trump argued that the U.S. market’s size gives it the leverage to attract back manufacturing plants and reduce reliance on foreign production—particularly from China.
2024 Legacy and 2025 Roadmap
Though no longer president, Trump’s speech reaffirms his dominance over Republican trade policy discourse. His unapologetic approach to “America First” economics continues to rally support among conservatives, even as some GOP lawmakers seek a more diplomatic trade framework.
Trump’s comments come amid rising U.S.-China tensions and ongoing debates about economic sovereignty, especially in critical sectors like pharmaceuticals and technology.
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