Trump: "Tariff Shock? Not Afraid... U.S. Will Have the 'Best Economy'"

Dismisses Short-term Recession Concerns
Expresses Confidence in 'Economic Victory'

Former U.S. President Donald Trump strongly asserted that he is "not worried at all" about concerns of a recession stemming from his tariff policies, insisting that, in the long run, the United States will have the world's best economy.

Donald Trump, President of the United States. Photo by AP Yonhap News

In an interview with NBC News on May 2 (local time), Trump described the current period as "a kind of transition," and said, "We are moving in a very successful direction." When asked whether it would be acceptable if the economy fell into a short-term recession, he replied, "Yes. Everything is fine," making a firm statement.

Regarding the possibility of a recession itself, he said, "Anything can happen," but emphasized, "It is clear that we will have the strongest economy in history."

In particular, he addressed warnings from some in the financial sector, including Wall Street, about an economic slowdown caused by tariffs, saying, "There is that perspective, but other experts believe the exact opposite?that we are heading toward the best economy." He questioned, "Why aren't their voices being reported?"

Recently, the U.S. financial markets have been fluctuating as an aftereffect of the high-tariff policies introduced during the Trump administration. Concerns about a recession have been spreading as the first quarter economic growth rate turned negative. However, former President Trump has maintained his stance that a protectionist policy must be upheld, stating, "A little pain is necessary."