‘Couldn’t Care Less’: Trump’s Dismissive Remark Triggers Outrage

Trump Moves Ahead with 25% Auto Tariff Plan

President Donald Trump is doubling down on his plan to introduce sweeping new import taxes, including a 25% tariff on foreign-made cars. While Trump argues the tariffs will promote domestic manufacturing and increase U.S. sales, critics say the economic burden will ultimately fall on American households and consumers. The White House / Wikimedia

'Couldn't Care Less': Trump Shrugs Off Tariff Backlash

Despite warnings that the tariffs could drive up prices and damage GOP prospects in the upcoming midterms, Trump has remained defiant. “I couldn’t care less,” he reportedly said when told the tariffs may increase costs for certain products. The White House / Wikimedia

Wall Street Journal Warns of Political Fallout

The Wall Street Journal editorial board blasted Trump’s response, warning: “The quote is likely to show up in Democratic campaign ads next year." WSJ added, “Trump won’t be on the ballot in 2026 but you can bet TV ads will link Republicans in Congress to Mr. Trump and those comments.” The White House / Wikimedia

Rand Paul Slams Tariffs as Economic “Fallacy”

Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) also condemned the tariffs, describing them as an economic “fallacy” during a CNBC interview at the Capitol. He further elaborated to the Cato Institute, saying, “I’m not a fan of taxes… but tariffs are simply a tax. When you tax something, you get less of it. So, if you tax trade, you get less of it.” Jack Gruber, Jack Gruber / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Paul Points to Trade as a Historical Growth Driver

Rand noted that economic prosperity in the U.S. has historically risen with international trade over the last 70 years.

However, while international trade has contributed to overall economic growth in the U.S., the benefits have not been evenly distributed across the population. Research from the Economic Policy Institute indicates that since 1979, the top 1% of households have experienced income growth of 229%, whereas the bottom 90% saw a much smaller increase of 46% . Jack Gruber / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Trump Considers Multiple Tariff Models

Trump is exploring several formats for the tariffs, ranging from flat import fees to country-specific penalties. The proposed auto tariff is expected to be introduced soon.

A recent analysis by the Center for Automotive Research estimates that the 25% tariff on imported auto parts could increase manufacturing costs for U.S. automakers by nearly $5,000 per vehicle, potentially leading to higher prices for consumers The White House / Wikimedia

Trump Targets Canada in Emergency Tariff Push

In response to pushback from Democrats over his emergency tariff order on Canada, Trump has pressured Republican senators to join him in using tariffs as a punitive measure.

To rally support, he has targeted GOP senators who oppose the tariffs, accusing dissenters like Senators Mitch McConnell, Rand Paul, Susan Collins, and Lisa Murkowski of suffering from “Trump Derangement Syndrome.” Jared VanderMeer / Pexels

Trump Calls for Stronger Republican Support on Tariffs

Trump has framed his argument around fentanyl smuggling, stating in an April Truth Social post: "Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, Susan Collins of Maine, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, and Rand Paul, also of Kentucky, will hopefully get on the Republican bandwagon, for a change, and fight the Democrats wild and flagrant push to not penalize Canada for the sale, into our Country, of large amounts of Fentanyl, by Tariffing the value of this horrible and deadly drug in order to make it more costly to distribute and buy." The White House / Wikimedia