A tense exchange unfolded during a recent White House press briefing when Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt faced pointed questions about President Trump’s proposed tariff policy. An Associated Press reporter suggested the plan could function as a hidden tax increase on Americans, quickly turning the briefing into a sharp back-and-forth.
Leavitt strongly rejected that framing, saying the tariffs were not intended to place additional burdens on U.S. consumers. She explained that the policy targets foreign governments and companies that, according to the administration, have benefited from unfair trade practices for years. The goal, she said, is to correct trade imbalances that have weakened domestic manufacturing and supply chains.
She emphasized that tariffs are meant to protect American jobs and industries, not raise revenue from households. While acknowledging that importers could face higher costs in the short term, Leavitt argued those effects would be offset over time. She pointed to stronger domestic production, improved supply chains, and higher wages as long-term benefits that would help stabilize the economy. When questioned about whether businesses might pass added costs on to consumers.
Leavitt said the administration believes fair and reciprocal trade policies would ultimately leave Americans better off. She stressed that reducing dependence on foreign markets would also help protect the U.S. economy from global disruptions. Leavitt concluded by reaffirming the administration’s broader economic agenda, which includes tax relief measures tied to wages and retirement income. She said that a more balanced trade system would support sustained growth, job security, and rising earnings for American workers.