President Trump took to Truth Social again on Thursday to defend tariffs ahead of a case at a US federal appeal court today. He posted that tariffs are making "America great and rich again."
"To all of my great lawyers who have fought so hard to save our Country, good luck in America’s big case today. If our Country was not able to protect itself by using TARIFFS AGAINST TARIFFS, WE WOULD BE “DEAD,” WITH NO CHANCE OF SURVIVAL OR SUCCESS. Thank you for your attention to this matter!" Trump added.
Trump also criticized Canada on Thursday via Truth Social after it backed Palestinian statehood, saying the move would make it difficult to strike a trade and tariff deal.
Prior to Trump's attack on Canada, the US president unleashed a flurry of deals and trade moves on Wednesday, which included a new pact with South Korea. The agreement includes a 15% tariff rate on imports from the country, while the US will not be charged a tariff, according to Trump's post on Truth Social.
Trump said the deal also features a $350 billion investment from South Korea in the US, as well as purchases of liquified natural gas and other energy products.
Deals were also expected with Thailand and Cambodia after Monday's ceasefire. A deal with Taiwan was also reportedly near.
Earlier Wednesday, the president made other moves, including threatening a 25% tariff on goods from India and slapping 50% tariffs on many goods from Brazil.
Trump also signed several orders Wednesday:
One order imposes 50% tariffs on semi-finished copper products starting Aug. 1, excluding copper crap and input materials.
Another ends the de minimis exemption on low-value imports under $800, thereby applying tariffs from Aug. 29.
The third order targets Brazil with 50% tariffs, but exempts key US imports like orange juice and aircraft parts.
Trump reiterated he would not extend Friday's deadline for new tariff levels to kick in.
Meanwhile, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said on Thursday that the US and China now have "the makings of a trade deal."
Also, the US and EU are racing to lock in the final details of their major new trade deal before Friday.