Although U.S. President Donald Trump often praises his reciprocal tariffs, American economists, including those from his own nation, are openly criticizing them, especially as the U.S. has imposed an additional 25% tariff on India. Columbia University economist and former UN advisor Jeffrey Sachs has deemed Trump's tariff policy as the most foolish step in American history.
The United BRICS After India's Tariff
Economist Jeffrey Sachs has made sharp remarks, labeling the Trump Tariff as the most foolish move in U.S. foreign policy history, and condemned the decision to impose an extra 25% tariff on India for purchasing Russian oil. He stated that this action backfired on America itself, as it has unexpectedly united the BRICS countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) overnight. Jeffrey indicated that Trump's tariff decision inadvertently strengthened BRICS coordination, essentially handing them a strategic victory.
Lessons Learned by Indians from the Trump Tariff
According to Jeffrey Sachs, the recent decisions by the U.S. President have eroded trust between America and India. He mentioned that the consequences are strategic and long-term. Although America has fostered India, attacking India with tariffs has broken trust. Sachs further commented that, regardless of any future decisions by the U.S. President to remove tariffs, Indians have learned a valuable lesson: one cannot rely on America.
'Lindsey Graham: Worst Senator'
Jeffrey took aim at U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham, who recently targeted India over its purchase of Russian oil, calling Graham the worst senator in the U.S. Senate. Graham's criticism stemmed from a recent meeting between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin in Alaska. Graham accused India of profiteering and claimed that Putin's trip to Alaska was due to Trump's threat to impose a 50% tariff on India for buying Russian oil.
Warnings from an American Diplomat
Trump's double tariff attack on India has triggered criticism, particularly from within America. Before Jeffrey Sachs, former U.S. diplomat Geoffrey Pyatt issued a stern warning to Donald Trump. He stated that Trump's strategy to reduce reliance on China cannot succeed without a strong and trustworthy partnership with India. He argued that imposing a 50% tariff on India has severely impacted bilateral trust, damaging its fundamental basis significantly.
