Fact Check: Donald Trump's enforced tariffs on other countries will only hurt relations with those countries.

Published March 11, 2025•Updated June 18, 2025

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VERDICT

Partially True

# Fact Check: "Donald Trump's enforced tariffs on other countries will only hurt relations with those countries." ## What We Know President Donald Tr...

Fact Check: "Donald Trump's enforced tariffs on other countries will only hurt relations with those countries."

What We Know

President Donald Trump's administration implemented a series of tariffs aimed at addressing trade imbalances and protecting American industries. On April 2, 2025, he announced reciprocal tariffs on a range of countries, particularly targeting those with which the U.S. has significant trade deficits, such as China. The tariffs included a baseline of 10% on all imports, with higher rates for specific countries, reaching up to 145% for Chinese goods (source-1, source-2).

The tariffs were justified by the Trump administration as necessary to combat unfair trade practices and to stimulate the U.S. economy. However, they have also led to significant economic repercussions, including a drop in global financial markets and warnings from institutions like the World Bank about a potential $500 billion decrease in worldwide economic activity by 2026 (source-1).

Experts have noted that such tariffs can provoke retaliatory measures from affected countries, which may further strain international relations (source-3, source-4). For instance, China responded to U.S. tariffs with its own tariffs on American goods, which has historically led to trade wars that can damage diplomatic ties (source-8).

Analysis

The assertion that Trump's tariffs "will only hurt relations with those countries" is a simplification of a complex situation. While it is true that tariffs can lead to strained relations and retaliatory actions, the overall impact is multifaceted.

Economic Impact: The tariffs have indeed caused immediate economic disruptions, as evidenced by significant drops in stock markets and warnings from global financial institutions (source-1). The potential for retaliatory tariffs from affected countries can escalate tensions, as seen with China's response to U.S. tariffs (source-8).
Diplomatic Relations: Tariffs can serve as a tool for negotiation, potentially leading to improved trade agreements if countries are willing to engage in dialogue. However, the risk of escalating trade wars remains a significant concern. For example, the imposition of tariffs has historically led to retaliatory measures that can sour diplomatic relations (source-3, source-5).
Long-term Effects: The long-term effects of such tariffs are still being evaluated. While some studies suggest potential economic benefits for the U.S. economy, the broader implications for international relations and global trade dynamics remain uncertain (source-4).

In summary, while it is accurate to state that tariffs can hurt relations with other countries, the claim overlooks the potential for these measures to also serve strategic economic purposes. The situation is not black and white; thus, the claim is only partially true.

Conclusion

The verdict on the claim that "Donald Trump's enforced tariffs on other countries will only hurt relations with those countries" is Partially True. While tariffs can indeed strain international relations and provoke retaliatory actions, they are also intended as a means to negotiate better trade terms and protect domestic industries. The overall impact of these tariffs is complex, involving both immediate economic repercussions and potential long-term diplomatic consequences.

Sources

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