US President Donald Trump on Sunday defended his tariff policy as a strategy to promote high-value domestic manufacturing—such as military hardware and technology—rather than consumer goods like sneakers and T-shirts.
Speaking to reporters before boarding Air Force One in New Jersey, Trump echoed earlier remarks by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who said on April 29 that the US doesn’t necessarily need a “booming textile industry.” That comment had sparked backlash from the National Council of Textile Organizations.
“We’re not looking to make sneakers and T-shirts. We want to make military equipment. We want to make big things. We want to make, do the AI thing,” Trump said. “I’m not looking to make socks. We can do that very well in other locations. We are looking to do chips and computers and lots of other things, and tanks and ships.”
His comments were met with criticism from the American Apparel & Footwear Association, whose president, Steve Lamar, argued that additional tariffs would only hurt US manufacturers and low-income consumers. “With 97% of the clothes and shoes we wear being imported, and with clothes and shoes already the most highly tariffed industry in the US, we need to focus on common sense solutions that can move the needle,” Lamar said. “More tariffs will only mean higher input costs for US manufacturers and higher prices that will hurt lower income consumers.”
Trump’s remarks come as part of his broader push to reshape US trade policy. On Friday, he called for a 50% tariff on goods from the European Union starting June 1 and warned Apple that imported iPhones could face a 25% levy. However, he later softened his stance, extending the EU tariff deadline to July 9 after a call with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, allowing time for further negotiations.
Trump, who secured victories in both the 2016 and 2024 presidential elections by appealing to working-class voters, has positioned himself as a champion of American manufacturing. Despite his efforts, the US economy remains heavily reliant on international supply chains, especially for low-cost goods like clothing and footwear.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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