Trump says tariffs are making America ‘great & rich again’ after slapping 25% duty on India

US President Donald Trump speaks during a bilateral meeting at the Trump Turnberry Golf Courses, in Turnberry south west Scotland on July 28, 2025. (Photo by Christopher Furlong / POOL / AFP)

A day after announcing a 25% tariff on Indian goods, US President Donald Trump doubled down on his protectionist agenda, claiming that tariffs have reversed America’s decline and turned it into the “hottest country anywhere in the world.”

“ONE YEAR AGO, AMERICA WAS A DEAD COUNTRY, NOW IT IS THE HOTTEST COUNTRY ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD,” he wrote in all caps, blaming past administrations and “really dumb, pathetic, and crooked politicians” for allowing foreign nations to use tariffs to devastate the US economy. Trump claimed the tide had turned, crediting his tariff war with revitalizing American strength and wealth.

He also linked his tariff strategy to a major legal battle, likely referencing one of the many court cases he or his team is involved in. “If our Country was not able to protect itself by using TARIFFS AGAINST TARIFFS, WE WOULD BE ‘DEAD,’” he wrote, cheering on his legal team “who have fought so hard to save our Country.”

The timing of the posts is significant, coming just after the 25 per cent tariff announcement on India. His rhetoric suggests that he sees these tariffs not just as economic tools but as a defining feature of his vision for “America First.”

Trump on Wednesday announced the imposition of a 25 per cent additional import duty plus penalty on goods imported from India. The duty will come into effect from August 1. The unspecified penalty was imposed on India for purchasing crude oil and military equipment from Russia. The announcement came as a surprise, as the two countries are negotiating a trade agreement.

Earlier today, Trump lashed out at India's close ties with Russia, calling both countries “dead economies” and saying he “does not care” what India does with Moscow.

Trump accused India of imposing “some of the highest tariffs in the world” and blamed New Delhi for the “very little business” between the two countries.

“I don’t care what India does with Russia. They can take their dead economies down together,” he wrote. He also took aim at Moscow, saying the US and Russia “do almost no business together—and it should stay that way.”