In a defiant message posted on his Truth Social platform on Thursday, President Donald Trump acknowledged the global shockwaves triggered by his aggressive tariff measures but expressed confidence that the U.S. economy would emerge "far stronger." Speaking less than an hour before Wall Street opened, Trump declared, “THE OPERATION IS OVER! THE PATIENT LIVED, AND IS HEALING. THE PROGNOSIS IS THAT THE PATIENT WILL BE FAR STRONGER, BIGGER, BETTER, AND MORE RESILIENT THAN EVER BEFORE.”
The president's remarks come amid a backdrop of plunging world markets, as investors grapple with the short-term volatility induced by his trade policies.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt reinforced the message of confidence during an interview with CNN, urging Wall Street to “Trust in President Trump” and to have faith in his "proven economic formula."
While critics argue that the tariffs have contributed to market instability, the administration remains steadfast, asserting that the long-term benefits—including a more resilient domestic industry and robust economic growth—will outweigh the immediate disruptions. The statement reflects the administration's broader economic agenda, emphasizing a turnaround strategy that seeks to position the U.S. as a global leader in a rapidly evolving trade environment.
She said the tariffs -- which include 10 percent across the board levies on imports and far steeper barriers on dozens of specific countries, including the top US trading partners -- meant "the United States is no longer going to be cheated by foreign nations."
Leavitt appeared to rule out the possibility of Trump pulling back any of the tariffs before they are implemented over the coming weekend.
"The president made it clear yesterday this is not a negotiation," she said.
"He's always willing to pick up the phone to answer calls, but he laid out the case yesterday for why we are doing it," she said.