President Donald Trump delivered remarks at the National Republican Congressional Committee Dinner on Tuesday night, emphasizing his administration’s use of sweeping tariffs as a central pillar of his trade policy. Trump claimed that multiple countries had reached out to the United States in response to the new tariff strategy, describing their outreach as an effort to negotiate favorable terms.
“I’m telling you, these countries are calling us up, kissing my ass,” Trump said during his speech, referring to the international response to the tariffs. “They are. They are dying to make a deal. ‘Please, please, Sir, make a deal. I’ll do anything. I’ll do anything, sir!’”
.@POTUS: “These countries are calling us up—kissing my ass; they are dying to make a deal.” pic.twitter.com/5DcWkwkMj0
— Trump War Room (@TrumpWarRoom) April 9, 2025
While Trump did not identify specific countries seeking negotiations, his remarks came just hours before the tariffs officially took effect at midnight. These levies impact around 90 nations, including allies and adversaries. Among the most significant measures was a 104% total tariff rate applied to Chinese imports, which includes several previously imposed duties as well as the latest retaliatory additions.
The increased tariff rate on Chinese goods follows a sequence of trade actions between the two countries. The White House implemented an initial 34% reciprocal tariff on Chinese imports, which was met with a 34% retaliatory response from Beijing. In reaction to China’s countermeasure, the Trump administration imposed an additional 50% penalty, resulting in the cumulative 104% tariff rate.
“It was a mistake for China to retaliate,” White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a statement earlier on Tuesday. “The president, when America is punched, he punches back harder. That’s why there will be 104% tariffs going into effect on China tonight at midnight.”
🚨Karoline Leavitt: “It was a mistake for China to retaliate. When America is punched, he punches back harder. That’s why there will be 104% tariffs going into effect on China tonight at midnight.”
LFG💪🔥 pic.twitter.com/ATFEJ0Z3cA
— Derrick Evans (@DerrickEvans4WV) April 8, 2025
The president also addressed domestic criticism during his remarks, directing comments at Republican lawmakers who have expressed opposition to his approach. Several Republican and Democratic members of Congress have proposed legislation that would require congressional approval for future tariff actions, citing concerns about executive overreach and economic impacts.
“I see some rebel Republican, some guy who wants to grandstand, say, ‘I think that Congress should take over negotiations,’” Trump said. “Oh that’s what I need, I need some guy telling me how to negotiate.”
“I know what the hell I’m doing,” Trump added. “I know what I’m doing, and you know what I’m doing too.”
The president’s remarks coincided with growing economic concern about the potential fallout from the tariffs. Financial leaders, including JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon, have warned that the scale and speed of the new tariffs could increase the likelihood of a U.S. recession. Dimon described a recession as a “likely outcome” if the trade conflict continues to escalate.
In response to the tariffs, European Union countries have signaled support for implementing countermeasures. Discussions among EU member states are ongoing as officials evaluate options for responding to the U.S. actions.
China filed a formal complaint with the World Trade Organization on Wednesday, stating that the United States’ tariff strategy posed a serious risk to global trade. “The situation has dangerously escalated… As one of the affected members, China expresses grave concern and firm opposition to this reckless move,” China said in its statement to the WTO.
The new tariffs, which follow a 10% baseline duty announced on April 5, are part of a broader effort by the administration to reshape the global trade landscape in line with its “America First” platform. The White House has stated that its goal is to reduce trade deficits and promote domestic industry through protective economic measures.
The content in this feed is part of a partnership with IJR.com. While we strive for accuracy, the information presented here may change or be updated. This content does not constitute professional advice or endorsement.
