US President Donald Trump has claimed that the United States has already collected, and will soon receive, more than $600 billion through tariffs, asserting that the aggressive trade policy has significantly strengthened the country’s economy and national security.
In a post on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump accused the American media of deliberately downplaying the issue ahead of what he described as a crucial US Supreme Court decision related to tariffs. He alleged that the “fake news media” was ignoring the revenue generated from tariffs because of political bias and an attempt to influence the court’s ruling.
According to Trump, the tariff regime has not only boosted government revenues but has also enhanced America’s global standing. He argued that higher import duties have made the US “financially stronger” and more secure from a national security perspective, claiming the country is now “far more respected than ever before”.
Since returning to power in January 2025, Trump has used tariffs as a central tool of both foreign policy and national security. His administration imposed steep import duties on several countries, including a 50 per cent tariff on Indian goods, a move that has strained bilateral trade ties.
India, the US’s largest export market partner accounting for around 18 per cent of its total goods exports, has been hit particularly hard in sectors such as garments and leather. However, reports suggest New Delhi is now accelerating efforts to diversify exports away from the US, while still keeping the door open for negotiations.
Despite ongoing discussions, experts remain sceptical that Washington will significantly roll back the tariffs. India has taken a firm stand against opening sensitive sectors like agriculture and dairy to US products, making a comprehensive trade deal uncertain.
Trump, meanwhile, continues to defend tariffs as a long-term strategy, insisting they are essential for protecting American interests and reshaping global trade in the US’s favour.
