Trump announces sweeping tariffs, citing economic harm from other nations, sparking global market concerns.

United States President Donald Trump announced sweeping tariffs on Wednesday, declaring that “our country has been looted, pillaged, raped, plundered” by other nations.

Trump’s forceful rhetoric signaled his willingness to upend the global economic system that the United States played a central role in constructing after World War II.

“My fellow Americans, this is liberation day,” Trump proclaimed as he unveiled new duties affecting nearly all countries, including 51 African nations.

The newly imposed tariffs include a baseline 10 percent on all imports, with significantly higher levies on some of the United States’ largest trading partners. Trump asserts that these measures will shield the country from economic exploitation by foreign nations seeking to inflict financial harm.

“And many people were looking to do us economic harm. Maybe not so obviously, but they were doing tremendous economic harm,” he said.

Trump also contends that the tariffs will spur unprecedented economic growth in the United States. “Growth like you haven't seen before, and it'll be something very special,” he predicted.

He argued that ordinary American workers have suffered immensely due to the economic policies of other countries. “They watched in anguish as foreign leaders have stolen our jobs, foreign cheaters have ransacked our factories, and foreign scavengers have torn apart our once beautiful American dream,” Trump declared.

Some of the nations affected by the tariffs rank among the world’s poorest and most vulnerable, including those grappling with civil wars and severe economic crises.

Concluding his speech in the White House’s Rose Garden, Trump suggested that the significance of the day would be remembered. “I think people are going to remember today,” he stated. He speculated that, over time, the public might come to recognize the merits of his economic policies, despite widespread expert warnings that the tariffs could trigger major disruptions in the US economy.

The decision marks a sharp departure from decades of trade liberalization. The announcement sent shockwaves through global markets, fueling fears that the tariffs could slow economic growth, reduce corporate earnings, and exacerbate inflation worldwide.

Following his remarks, Trump proceeded to a small desk set up for the occasion and signed two executive orders enshrining the new tariff policies.