Former President Barack Obama has broken his silence on Donald Trump’s aggressive new tariff policy, delivering a blunt rebuke amid market turmoil. The policy, which slaps steep tariffs on imports from over 60 countries, sent stocks tumbling, with the S&P 500 falling 6% in a single day.
Trump defended the move as a necessary step to protect American industry, but critics warn it could backfire, raising prices and stifling trade. Obama, speaking at a college event, didn’t hold back. “This approach is not what America needs,” he said, before adding a striking rhetorical jab: “Imagine if I had done any of this?”
The remark highlights the stark contrast between their economic philosophies. Obama also condemned the administration’s heavy-handed tactics, including pressuring universities and law firms. Meanwhile, China’s swift retaliation—a 34% tariff on U.S. goods—signals a brewing trade war. With markets on edge and global tensions rising, Obama’s words serve as a sharp reminder of the stakes at play.
