"They Played It Wrong, Panicked": Trump On China's Tariff Retaliation

In a fiery response to escalating trade tensions, former President Donald Trump lashed out at China over its retaliatory tariffs, calling Beijing's response a panic move and vowing that his trade policies would not change.

“CHINA PLAYED IT WRONG, THEY PANICKED – THE ONE THING THEY CANNOT AFFORD TO DO!” Trump wrote on his social media platform, Truth Social. “MY POLICIES WILL NEVER CHANGE. THIS IS A GREAT TIME TO GET RICH, RICHER THAN EVER BEFORE!!!”

Trump’s comments come in the wake of China’s sharp response to the controversial “Liberation Day” tariff plan, introduced by Trump, which imposes a 10% baseline duty on all foreign imports. Nations classified as "worst offenders," including China, are subject to an additional 34% tariff.

In retaliation, China slapped a matching 34% tariff on all U.S. imports, introduced export restrictions on rare earth minerals crucial to tech manufacturing, blacklisted 27 American companies, and filed a formal complaint against the U.S. at the World Trade Organization, accusing it of “unilateral bullying.”

The economic fallout was immediate. The Dow Jones Industrial Average plunged more than 1,400 points in early trading, with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite each falling nearly 3%. European and Asian markets mirrored the crash, sparking renewed fears of a global recession.

Despite the turmoil, Trump remained defiant and optimistic. He hinted at potential negotiations but stood firm on his policy foundation: “The tariffs give us great power to negotiate. They always have. I've used them very well in the first administration.”

Secretary of State Marco Rubio acknowledged the market volatility but emphasized the long-term benefits. “Markets are crashing because they’re based on short-term fear, but we’re focused on correcting decades of unfair trade,” he stated.

The White House pointed to stronger-than-expected March job numbers as evidence that the policy shift is beginning to benefit American workers. Trump celebrated the data in another post: “GREAT JOB NUMBERS, FAR EXCEEDING EXPECTATIONS!”

As global trade tensions rise, analysts warn of extended economic turbulence. The international community is watching closely, hoping that diplomacy can intervene before a full-scale trade war destabilizes the global economy.

The economic fallout was immediate. The Dow Jones Industrial Average plunged more than 1,400 points in early trading, with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite each falling nearly 3%. European and Asian markets mirrored the crash, sparking renewed fears of a global recession.

Despite the turmoil, Trump remained defiant and optimistic. He hinted at potential negotiations but stood firm on his policy foundation: “The tariffs give us great power to negotiate. They always have. I've used them very well in the first administration.”

Secretary of State Marco Rubio acknowledged the market volatility but emphasized the long-term benefits. “Markets are crashing because they’re based on short-term fear, but we’re focused on correcting decades of unfair trade,” he stated.

The White House pointed to stronger-than-expected March job numbers as evidence that the policy shift is beginning to benefit American workers. Trump celebrated the data in another post: “GREAT JOB NUMBERS, FAR EXCEEDING EXPECTATIONS!”

Many economists, however, are skeptical of Trump's strategy, warning that trade wars have historically led to inflation, reduced global demand, and lasting damage to supply chains. “This isn’t a sustainable path forward,” said Dr. Linda Waters, a global trade expert at Columbia University. “Tariffs might provide leverage in the short term, but retaliation from major economies like China will hurt U.S. exporters and consumers alike.”

Meanwhile, agricultural producers in the Midwest have expressed concern over China’s decision to suspend several long-term grain contracts. “We’re the ones caught in the crossfire,” said Iowa corn farmer Jeremy Whitaker. “We support fair trade, but we need stable markets to survive.”

On the global stage, America’s allies remain cautious. The European Union and Japan have called for de-escalation and a return to multilateral negotiations. “Global stability depends on open dialogue, not unilateral decisions,” said EU trade commissioner Sofia Reinhardt.

As global trade tensions rise, the world watches closely. With markets reeling, diplomatic efforts and policy decisions made in the coming weeks could determine the trajectory of the global economy for years to come.