Trump: 'Friends are worse than enemies... Keep negotiating'
- Input
- 2025-07-12 10:31:29
- Updated
- 2025-07-12 10:31:29
'Mutual tariffs on the 1st of next month' ahead of negotiations urged
Pressure on the Fed for '3% rate cut' continues
Pressure on the Fed for '3% rate cut' continues
President Trump, before leaving the White House to visit Kerrville County, Texas, where heavy rain and flooding caused massive casualties, responded to reporters' questions about advice for countries ahead of the upcoming tariff grace period by saying, "Just work hard."
This is interpreted as meaning that countries around the world should focus on negotiating to conclude new trade agreements with the United States before the tariff grace period ends.
President Trump further stated, "We have been taken advantage of by both friends and enemies for a very long time," adding, "Frankly, in many cases, friends were worse than enemies."
He emphasized, "Therefore, I just want to say 'Keep working hard. Everything will work out well.'"
Additionally, regarding the letter sent earlier to impose a 50% tariff on Brazilian imports, he reportedly said he "might talk with President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva of Brazil someday."
Regarding former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, who is accused of 'coup plotting' in Brazil, he reiterated, "They (Brazil) are treating former President Bolsonaro very unfairly."
He also mentioned the letter sent to Canada imposing a 35% tariff, saying, "I sent it yesterday, and they (Canada) called. It seems the letter was well received."
Along with this, President Trump criticized Jerome Powell, Chairman of the Federal Reserve, the U.S. central bank, saying he "did a terrible job" and urged a rate cut, stating that interest rates "should be 3 percentage points lower."
When asked about Russia's destruction of a Ukrainian maternity hospital in a drone attack, President Trump said, "I know. You will see what happens," hinting at strengthening sanctions against Russia once again.
going@fnnews.com Choi Ga-young Reporter