MORRISTOWN, New Jersey, May 25 — President Donald Trump voiced his disapproval of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s military aggression in Ukraine during a press briefing on Sunday, while also reaffirming his economic stance on boosting American industrial production, particularly in defense and technology.
Speaking to reporters before departing from New Jersey aboard Air Force One, Trump expressed concern over the escalating violence in Ukraine, signaling that he is not pleased with Putin’s recent decision to intensify attacks.
“I don’t like the direction things are taking in Ukraine. Bombing civilians and infrastructure is not something I support,” Trump said. “We need to focus on peace, and I’ve always believed in strong negotiations over unnecessary conflict.”
While addressing questions on global affairs, Trump shifted the conversation to domestic policy, reiterating that his administration’s trade and tariff strategies are rooted in strengthening American industries that are vital to national security and technological advancement.
“We’re not focused on bringing back the T-shirt or sneaker industry,” Trump said. “That’s not where our future lies. We’re focusing on tanks, on chips, on AI technology. These are the industries that will define our security and prosperity.”
This comment appeared to support earlier statements made by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who remarked that a booming textile industry was not essential to the U.S. economy. These remarks had drawn criticism from textile organizations, which argue that the textile sector remains an important part of the American manufacturing landscape.
Trump clarified that his intention is not to neglect American workers but to focus efforts on industries with higher strategic and economic value. “I’m not against American manufacturing—far from it,” he explained. “But I want us to build big, meaningful things—military gear, computer systems, semiconductor chips—things that strengthen our position globally and help secure our country.”
He added, “Making socks and T-shirts isn’t our priority. We can get those elsewhere and still support our people with better jobs, more advanced manufacturing, and investments in technology.”
Industry groups have responded with concern, especially those representing clothing and footwear manufacturers. A leading industry group pointed out that the vast majority of clothing and footwear available in the U.S. comes from overseas., and they warned that increasing tariffs on these goods would only burden consumers, particularly low-income families, by raising prices.
“Tariffs aren’t the answer,” they argue. “They increase manufacturing expenses and lead to more expensive prices for consumers at checkout. That hurts working families the most.”
Nevertheless, Trump stood firm on his position, stating that while basic consumer goods can be imported without compromising the nation’s goals, advanced products and defense equipment must be built domestically.
His tough talk on trade re-emerged on Friday, when he proposed a sweeping 50% tariff on goods from the European Union, scheduled to take effect on June 1. He also raised the possibility of a 25% tariff on imported iPhones—a move that caught the attention of both consumers and tech industry leaders.
However, in a shift of tone on Sunday, Trump announced that the proposed EU tariffs would be postponed until July 9 to allow time for negotiations between Washington and the European bloc. This brief extension may offer room for compromise, though Trump emphasized that he expects real progress to be made.
“I’m giving them time to come to the table, but we’re not going to sit back while American workers get sidelined. Either we strike a fair deal, or we act in the interest of our economy,” Trump said.
The president’s trade policy has long been defined by aggressive tactics intended to reduce reliance on foreign manufacturing and bring jobs back to the United States. His strategy hinges on using tariffs to incentivize domestic production and penalize overseas competitors.
Throughout both of his presidential campaigns, Trump appealed to working-class Americans by pledging to revive U.S. manufacturing. He has highlighted major factory openings, investment pledges by foreign companies, and military production as evidence that his policies work.
Despite criticism from economists and industry groups, Trump maintains that tariffs are a necessary tool for correcting what he calls “decades of bad trade deals” that shipped American jobs overseas.
He emphasized, “We can’t just keep buying everything from other countries. We need to build here. And when we do, we’ll have stronger jobs, better pay, and greater security. That’s what this is about.”
In Trump’s view, tariffs are not just economic tools—they’re a way to reset the global manufacturing order and position the United States as a leader in innovation and defense.
While controversy around his trade agenda remains, Trump’s focus is clear: fewer imports of low-cost consumer goods, more investment in high-tech and military manufacturing, and a readiness to pressure foreign partners for fairer trade terms.