Trump Admits He ‘Couldn’t Care Less’ If Car Prices Go Up Due To Tariffs

President Donald Trump said on Saturday that he "couldn’t care less" if his upcoming 25% tariffs cause foreign-made vehicles to become more expensive for American consumers.

Trump’s remarks came ahead of the White House implementing new tariffs on various consumer goods, including foreign auto parts and imported vehicles, starting Wednesday.

The decision has drawn criticism from both consumers and international leaders, particularly since Trump promised to lower prices for Americans during his campaign.

In an interview with NBC News, Trump seemed unconcerned about the possibility of rising prices, arguing that the tariffs would encourage more Americans to buy domestic cars.

"The message is, congratulations, if you make your car in the United States, you're going to make a lot of money," Trump said when asked if he had urged CEOs in the auto industry not to pass the costs onto consumers. "If you don’t, you’ll probably have to come to the United States because if you make your car here, there’s no tariff."

The interviewer pressed him on whether he had advised automakers not to raise prices, as reported by The Wall Street Journal. Trump responded, “No, I never said that. I couldn’t care less if they raise prices, because people are going to start buying American-made cars.”

In a phone interview on March 29, Trump reiterated his indifference, saying, “I couldn’t care less. I hope they raise their prices, because if they do, people are gonna buy American-made cars. We have plenty.”

Trump also expressed confidence that the tariffs would remain in place permanently.

"Absolutely, they’re permanent, sure. The world has been ripping off the United States for the last 40 years and more. And all we’re doing is being fair, and frankly, I’m being very generous," he added.

This article was reported by journalist Jimmy.