"I like 'tariff' more than any other word in the dictionary," US President Donald Trump declared at an event in Mount Pocono, Pennsylvania on 9/12.

According to him, the initiative to eliminate taxes on tips and overtime pay was a significant boost for American working families. The White House leader also argued that tariffs have attracted many companies back to the US.

"Tariffs bring us hundreds of billions of US dollars. Steel companies are rushing to Pennsylvania because they do not want to pay tariffs of 25%, 50%, 100%," Trump said.

US President Donald Trump speaks in Mount Pocono, Pennsylvania on 9/12. Photo: AFP

The US president noted that steelworkers, particularly in Pennsylvania, "are thriving remarkably" due to his tariff policies.

"Without tariffs, we would not have any steel mills anywhere across the United States, and that is really bad for national security," he added.

In April, Trump announced tariffs ranging from 10% to 49% on imports from 185 countries and territories. A general tariff of 10% took effect on 5/4, with country-specific tariffs implemented from 9/4.

During his speech, Trump criticized Democrats for "fabricating" claims that his policies led to increased prices. "Democrats keep saying 'prices are too high'. That is true, but it is because they made prices escalate. Now prices are coming down," the US president stated.

A report published by the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis in October, based on data from January to August, indicated that tariff measures have been exerting significant upward price pressure on consumer goods. This price increase began in early 2025, coinciding with Trump's tariff actions.

Huyen Le (According to Business Insider, TASS, Anadolu Agency)