Trump Says Tariffs on Companies Coming to U.S. Could Rise to 50% If They Exploit System

U.S. President Donald Trump has stated that tariffs could be raised to up to 50 percent if companies investing in the United States attempt to exploit the country.

In an interview with Fox News on the 25th (local time), President Trump claimed that the U.S. automotive industry had been encroached upon by Japan, South Korea, and China, adding, "I'm getting it all back. They're coming back because they don't want to pay a 25 percent tariff."

President Trump further noted, "Frankly, I've kept it low. If they come in and try to take advantage of [the U.S.], I could raise the tariffs to 50 percent."

The remarks appear less aimed at an immediate implementation of tariff hikes and more intended to emphasize his resolve to protect American industries by raising tariffs ahead of the upcoming midterm elections next week.

President Trump did not elaborate on specific examples of companies investing in the U.S. while attempting to take advantage of the system.

Regarding Iran during the interview, President Trump said, "We have a decision to make. Either finish it once and for all—which is very easy to do—or make a deal."

This is interpreted as an effort to pressure Iran into a deal by leaving open the possibility of high-intensity military strikes, while also managing the situation to prevent Iran from taking provocative actions targeting the U.S. midterm elections.

Later, while taking questions from reporters at the White House, when asked whether a strike against Iran would happen soon, President Trump replied, "I won't tell you. There will be no attack today."

President Trump previously mentioned on the 23rd that the U.S. could take military action against Iran.

While concerns persist that he will likely refrain from attacking Iran before the midterm elections due to fears of triggering oil price surges, worries remain that a limited-scope airstrike could be carried out afterward.

Regarding the trilateral negotiations between the U.S., Ukraine, and Russia aimed at finding a solution to end the war, President Trump said they would take place "soon."

He did not mention a specific timeline.

Following his Fox News interview that day, President Trump criticized Fox News for not covering the elections in a way that favors the Republican Party.

On the social media platform Truth Social, President Trump claimed, "Fox News is giving too much time to the opponents of Republican candidates," adding, "Republican candidates are being heavily blacked out by the media, and Fox News is doing nothing about it. If this election race is close, and if it really is close, that is the only reason why."

(Photo: AP, Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.