'Richest and most respected': Trump defends trade policy, calls critics 'fools'

Trump touts tariffs and dividends

US President Donald Trump has defended his aggressive tariff policies in a post on Truth Social, describing critics of the measures as “fools” and claiming that tariffs have made the United States “the richest and most respected” nation in the world.

“People that are against Tariffs are FOOLS!” Trump wrote, asserting that under his leadership, the country had become “the richest, most respected country in the world, with almost no inflation, and a record stock market price.”

He said that his administration’s tariff strategy — which includes reciprocal and penalty duties on trading partner countries — has helped the US rake in “trillions of dollars” and strengthen its economy. Trump added that “401k’s are highest ever” and that tariff revenues would soon enable the country to “begin paying down our enormous debt, $37 trillion.”

A 401(k) is a retirement savings plan commonly used in the United States and roughly equivalent to India’s Provident Fund (PF).

Trump also said record investments were pouring into the country, with “plants and factories going up all over the place.” He further claimed that a “dividend of at least $2,000 a person (not including high-income people!) will be paid to everyone,” though he did not clarify how or when such payments would be made or what additional eligibility criteria might apply.

The post follows reports that Trump’s campaign team is reshaping its messaging to appeal to voters worried about the cost of living. Two Trump administration officials told the Associated Press that the president plans to focus more on affordability and economic relief, highlighting policies such as tax cuts and price reductions.

They said Trump intends to link his tariff policies to broader efforts to fight inflation and support working families, with the president set to emphasise progress made under his leadership. On Thursday, Trump announced that pharmaceutical companies Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk would reduce the prices of their anti-obesity drugs — an example, aides said, of his administration’s ongoing push to make healthcare and essentials more affordable.