U.S. Treasury Secretary Defends Trump's Tariff Policies Amid Market Uncertainty

President Trump's tariff policies have sparked debate, with supporters arguing that higher tariffs protect American industries and jobs, drawing historical parallels to early U.S. economic strategy, while critics warn of potential negative impacts on corporate profits and consumer sentiment. Despite market volatility following new tariff announcements, such as those targeting international movie productions, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent asserts that tariffs, combined with tax cuts and deregulation, are intended to drive long-term investment and make the economy more resilient. Some analysts note that, despite short-term stock declines and global economic uncertainty, U.S. companies—especially in tech and health care—have continued to report strong earnings and robust capital spending, particularly in artificial intelligence. However, there remains an undercurrent of concern among investors and strategists about the need for concrete trade deals to avoid lasting economic repercussions. Overall, the market response has been mixed, reflecting both optimism about American corporate resilience and apprehension about the broader impact of tariff-driven trade policy.