Trump tweeted last night before he went to bed that both our friend and enemies have taken advantage of the US and it’s time for a change:
We are on the losing side of almost all trade deals. Our friends and enemies have taken advantage of the U.S. for many years. Our Steel and Aluminum industries are dead. Sorry, it’s time for a change! MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 5, 2018
But then this morning Trump suggested if NAFTA can be successfully negotiated, he won’t impose his disastrous steel and aluminum tariffs:
We have large trade deficits with Mexico and Canada. NAFTA, which is under renegotiation right now, has been a bad deal for U.S.A. Massive relocation of companies & jobs. Tariffs on Steel and Aluminum will only come off if new & fair NAFTA agreement is signed. Also, Canada must..
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 5, 2018
...treat our farmers much better. Highly restrictive. Mexico must do much more on stopping drugs from pouring into the U.S. They have not done what needs to be done. Millions of people addicted and dying.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 5, 2018
To protect our Country we must protect American Steel! #AMERICA FIRST
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 5, 2018
Wait, I thought this was about China and national security?
Also, Trump says our steel industry is dead, however US Steel had almost 400 million in profits last year:
US Steel had revenues of $12.3bn last year and recorded profits of almost $390m. https://t.co/Z8WcIlSz7d https://t.co/KMtQpAVMsc
— Shawn Donnan (@sdonnan) March 5, 2018
How is that possible if our steel industry is dead?