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Sen. James Lankford explained to Newsmax’s “Wake Up America” that countries seeking reductions in President Trump’s tariffs must first reduce their own trade barriers against the United States.
Discussing Trump’s global trade strategy, Lankford outlined how the former president implemented a universal 10% tariff worldwide, using it as leverage to encourage nations to lower their own trade barriers.
The Oklahoma Republican praised this approach, noting that countries would need to decrease their tariffs on American goods to receive reciprocal treatment from the United States.
"I think there are some countries, like China, that they're going to face a high tariff for a very, very long time."
— Oklahoma Sen. James Lankford@SenatorLankford @SharlaMcBride @Marc_Lotter pic.twitter.com/9ArUwQbBv8
— NEWSMAX (@NEWSMAX) April 3, 2025
He explained that while some nations might see tariff reductions, these adjustments would happen gradually and individually. Lankford emphasized that the strategy addresses both trade deficits and federal budget concerns.
However, Lankford pointed out that certain nations, particularly China, would continue facing substantial tariffs due to various issues, including their communist governance and role in the fentanyl crisis.
Lankford on Trump raising prices on Americans with tariffs: "I fee like in some ways in the economy this is kinda like a kitchen remodel or a bathroom remodel. There's a bit of a mess at the beginning … it's going to be noisy for a little while." pic.twitter.com/bDGlm48G02
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) March 30, 2025
The discussion then shifted to a recent Senate resolution concerning Trump’s national emergency declaration on Canadian tariffs. The measure passed with support from four Republican senators: Mitch McConnell, Rand Paul, Susan Collins, and Lisa Murkowski.
Lankford defended the tariffs on Canada, citing alarming statistics about fentanyl precursor chemicals. He revealed that Canadian authorities intercepted 1,100 pounds of these substances in 2020, which dramatically increased to 11,000 pounds in 2021. He emphasized the importance of preventing Canada from becoming another major source of fentanyl, similar to Mexico.
