A first-year Democratic senator has openly recognized that President Donald Trump is effectively succeeding in trade negotiations with many of the nation’s largest trading partners.
“I’m curious if you believe that Trump is currently winning the trade war. Do you concur with those who assert he is?” Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) was queried by a Fox News reporter on Capitol Hill on Friday. “Absolutely,” Fetterman replied promptly, highlighting the president’s recent trade accord with the European Union. [see video below]
“Moreover, I am a great admirer of Bill Maher. I truly believe he is one of the key voices for my party. He recognized it. It’s like, he thought that the tariffs would devastate the economy, and he acknowledged that they did not,” the senator continued.
Fetterman reaffirmed his approval of the new trade agreement with the European Union and conveyed hope that the final deal with China will also be favorable.
Fetterman’s remarks come in the wake of President Trump’s announcement on Friday to impose new tariffs on various trading partners, including Canada, as part of his “Liberation Day” tariff strategy first introduced in April.
The strategy detailed a series of reciprocal tariffs aimed at countries with substantial trade deficits with the U.S. Although the duties were initially postponed for two months to facilitate negotiations, the administration has now proceeded with their implementation.
The sole exception was China, which consented to negotiate after enduring two weeks of steep tariffs—surpassing 100 percent—on the majority of its exports to the United States. Both countries have since agreed to temporarily suspend those heightened tariff rates while discussions toward a final trade agreement are ongoing.
