A Series of Black-and-White Photos with Tariff Slogans Shared on Social Media
Tariff Threats Intensify Even Toward Allied Nations
US President Donald Trump has repeatedly posted images and phrases on social media portraying himself as a "tariff expert," using tariff policy as a political symbol.
US President Donald Trump has repeatedly posted images and phrases on social media portraying himself as a "tariff expert." President Trump's Truth Social account
On January 16 (local time), President Trump posted a black-and-white photo taken in the White House Oval Office on his own platform, Truth Social, adding the bold caption "Tariff King" at the top. He later reposted the same photo, changing the caption to "Mr. Tariff." The image was also shared on the White House's X account.
Since taking office, President Trump has actively used tariffs not only as an economic policy but also as a diplomatic tool. He has defined the US trade deficit as a "national emergency" and made reciprocal tariffs with other countries a core strategy. In particular, while the US Supreme Court is currently deliberating whether the president can exercise broad tariff-imposing powers based on the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), President Trump continues to emphasize the effectiveness of tariffs and is waging a public campaign on the issue.
At a recent meeting on rural health investment held at the White House, President Trump also argued that "the decision by global pharmaceutical companies to lower prescription drug prices was due to tariff pressure." He explained that tariffs attract foreign companies to the United States, leading to investment and job creation, which benefits the American people.
Tariffs are also being used as a means of external pressure. President Trump mentioned the possibility of imposing tariffs on countries that do not cooperate on issues related to Greenland. He also stated that a 25% tariff could be imposed on all countries trading with Iran as a way to pressure the Iranian regime. Such remarks are interpreted as openly presenting tariffs as a tool of diplomatic pressure.
On January 17, President Trump announced that, in relation to the issue of Greenland's annexation, he would impose a 10% tariff on US-bound goods from eight countries, including the United Kingdom and France, starting February 1, and raise it to 25% starting June 1. He made it clear that, since Greenland aligns with US strategic interests, he would continue to apply pressure through tariffs if the relevant countries do not cooperate. All of these countries are NATO members, and analysts note that President Trump's tariff threats could also impact alliance relationships.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
