Obama Criticizes Trump’s New Tariff Plan With Blunt Eight-Word Remark
Former President Barack Obama has spoken out against Donald Trump’s newly announced tariff policy, sparking fresh debate over America’s economic future.
Since returning to the White House, President Trump has introduced a series of executive actions, many of which have faced criticism from both legal experts and international trade partners. The most recent move — a sweeping new tariff plan — is already making global headlines.
On what Trump referred to as “Liberation Day,” he announced a universal 10% tariff on all imports, with even higher rates for 60 countries that his administration labeled the “worst offenders.”
Speaking from the White House Rose Garden, Trump declared:
“April 2, 2025, will forever be remembered as the day American industry was reborn… the day we began to ‘Make America Wealthy Again.’”
Trump argued that for decades, the U.S. had been treated unfairly by global trade practices. The administration believes the tariffs will encourage Americans to buy more products made domestically.
However, not everyone agrees.
While speaking at Hamilton College in New York, former President Obama didn’t hold back. Referring to Trump’s approach, he said:
“I don’t think what we just witnessed in terms of economic policy and tariffs is going to be good for America.”
Obama went further, expressing concerns not just about the economic implications but about broader issues of governance and civil liberties.
He warned of the dangers of government overreach — including threats to universities and law firms.
He ended his remarks with a sharp, eight-word comment that quickly grabbed headlines:
“Imagine if I had done any of this?”
As expected, some of the countries affected by Trump’s tariffs have already signaled plans to respond with their own trade restrictions.
The new tariffs will remain in effect until the administration determines that the trade deficit and related concerns are resolved.
It’s clear that this major shift in U.S. trade policy is already fueling a new wave of political and economic debate.
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