Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt strongly denied claims that President Trump’s tariff plan amounts to a tax hike. At a tense White House briefing, she insisted, *“He’s actually not implementing tax hikes. Tariffs are a tax increase on foreign nations that have been defrauding us once more.”* The administration framed the tariffs as a tool to protect American industries and correct trade imbalances.

When asked why Trump shifted focus from tax cuts to tariffs, Leavitt explained they are meant to *“level the playing field”* and support U.S. competitiveness. She added that the tariffs aim to *“help American companies and workers by increasing wages and stimulating the economy.”*

Facing criticism that tariffs raise costs for consumers, Leavitt acknowledged importers may pay more but stressed the long-term gains: *“Wages will increase, and our nation will become prosperous once more.”*

Tension rose when Leavitt pushed back against a journalist’s tone, saying, *“I think it’s insulting that you’re trying to test my knowledge of economics.”*

Ultimately, Leavitt reaffirmed the administration’s stance that tariffs are vital to Trump’s “America First” agenda, stating they are *“a tax cut for the American people”* and part of building a stronger, fairer U.S. economy.