"300% Tariffs if No Factory Built"... Is Trump Set to Run Amok?

[Anchor]

US President Donald Trump has dropped a bombshell, warning that foreign companies could face tariffs of up to 300% if they do not build factories in the US. Concerns are growing that Trump, having suffered a crushing defeat in the midterm elections, may now run amok in foreign policy and national security.

Here is reporter Lee Gang with the details.

[Reporter]

Before the shock of the election defeat had even worn off, the card President Trump pulled out once again was tariffs.

He issued a stern warning that foreign companies failing to build factories in the US would be slapped with tariffs of up to 300%.

[Donald Trump / US President: If you don't build a plant, you're going to pay 50, 100, 150, 250, maybe 300%. If you finish the plant and operate it, you don't have to pay tariffs.]

He emphasized that eliminating tariffs would cause foreign companies to immediately halt the construction of factories within the US.

[Donald Trump / US President: If I eliminated tariffs right now, every one of those plants would stop construction. You'd have half-built plants all over the country, and you'd be bringing product in from China, Japan, and South Korea.]

While a "300 percent tariff" is likely a signature Trump exaggeration, it is interpreted as a move to block trading partners from changing their stance in negotiations with the Trump administration following the midterm election loss, while signaling that he will maintain his existing tariff policies.

When asked how he plans to utilize executive orders over the next two years, he also gave a telling answer.

[Donald Trump / US President: We're going to do a lot. You're going to see a lot over the next week, two weeks. We have a lot prepared.]

This remark adds fuel to concerns that with his grip on Congress weakened by the election defeat, he might run amok in areas like trade, diplomacy, and national security where presidential discretion is broad.

At the event, President Trump also signed a proclamation ensuring that the White House Oval Office and Cabinet Room are preserved exactly as they are.

It made clear his determination not to change his policies or colors despite the election defeat.

(Video Editing: Park Chun-bae)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.