Trump downplays tariff impact, says ‘US kids will be able to buy 2 dolls instead of 30’

President Donald Trump on Wednesday sought to minimise concerns over the impact of his administration’s tariffs on Chinese goods, suggesting that Americans would be able to adjust even if product variety and affordability are affected.

Speaking during a Cabinet meeting, Trump remarked that children might end up with “two dolls instead of 30,” and noted that the toys might cost a few dollars more. His comments were meant to reassure the public despite a recent government report showing that the US economy shrank at an annual rate of 0.3% in the first quarter – a decline largely driven by a surge in imports as companies rushed to buy goods ahead of rising tariffs.

Trump has previously imposed tariffs of 145% on a wide range of Chinese products as part of his push to counter what he calls unfair trade practices and overdependence on foreign manufacturing. However, in a recent shift, the president acknowledged that negotiations are currently ongoing with China, and he suggested that there is a possibility tariffs could be lowered in the near future.

Despite the economic data and growing concerns over inflation and supply chain disruptions, Trump maintained a tone, arguing that China is suffering more from the trade conflict. He pointed to struggling Chinese factories and emphasised that the US can sustain itself without relying heavily on imports from the China’s manufacturing hub.

“The shelves might not look the same, but we’ll be just fine,” Trump said, reiterating his belief that the tariffs are a strategic tool, not a long-term burden.