Donald Trump went head-to-head with Bloomberg’s Editor-in-Chief John Micklethwait in a heated interview at the Economic Club of Chicago, fiercely defending his ambitious trade policies and disputing warnings that they’d raise U.S. debt and trigger a consumer tax. When Micklethwait suggested Trump’s proposed tariffs—potentially up to 100% on imports—would drive up consumer costs, Trump shot back, “Nope,” insisting instead that these “beautiful” tariffs would bring manufacturing back to U.S. soil.
The tense exchanges escalated when Micklethwait warned that Trump’s approach could halt trade with China and disrupt the 40 million American jobs tied to it. “I agree,” Trump responded, “it’s going to have a massive effect—a positive effect.” Trump went on to argue that drastic tariffs would make it “so horrible, so obnoxious” for companies to rely on foreign production that they’d be forced to invest domestically.
When Micklethwait brought up claims that Trump’s proposals would add up to $15 trillion in new debt over a decade, Trump dismissed the estimates, saying, “They’ve been wrong about everything. So have you, by the way.” The former president also sidestepped questions on international tensions, including a hypothetical U.S. military defense of Taiwan against China, and dodged inquiries about his post-presidency contact with Vladimir Putin.
The verbal sparring didn’t stop there. When Micklethwait broached the Capitol riot and peaceful transfer of power, Trump shrugged off concerns, saying he “left when he was supposed to” and implied there were “strange things” on January 6, blaming police for allowing protesters into the Capitol. Ending with a dig at “corrupt press,” Trump leaned into his long-standing battle with the media, leaving little doubt that he’s ready for a combative 2024 campaign.
