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“And again, I’m a huge fan of [HBO comedian] Bill Maher. And I mean, I think he’s really one of the oracles for my party. And he acknowledged it. It’s like, hey, he thought that the tariffs were going to tank the economy and he acknowledged that it didn’t,” Fetterman added.
Yes, a Democrat just invoked Bill Maher and Trump in the same breath — and both in a positive light. That sound you hear? It’s the progressive base short-circuiting.
Trump Drops the Tariff Hammer — And Fetterman Sees the Logic
On Friday, President Trump rolled out a sweeping new round of tariffs targeting dozens of nations, turning up the pressure in his high-stakes global trade game.
Under the new structure, every import faces a minimum 10% tariff — with some countries seeing drastically higher rates. Syria was hit with 41%, Laos 40%, Switzerland 39%, Iraq 35%, South Africa 30%, and India 25%.
According to The Hill, these tariffs were announced mere hours before the enforcement deadline, which has now been extended to August 7. This move gives U.S. officials time to implement the strategy and more negotiating leverage.
It’s the latest power move in Trump’s campaign to realign global trade in America’s favor — an effort launched in April that’s already been delayed twice. But this time, the 45th president is sending a clear message: the gloves are off.
During a Thursday interview with NBC News, Trump made his position even clearer.
“It doesn’t mean that somebody doesn’t come along in four weeks and say we can make some kind of a deal,” he said, signaling openness to new agreements — but only on his terms.
Canada, Brazil, and More Feel the Heat
In a headline-making development, Trump followed through on his threat to slam Canada with a 35% tariff, citing their lax drug enforcement and provocative move to recognize Palestinian statehood. Goods under the USMCA pact are exempt, but it’s still a heavy blow to the northern neighbor.
Then came the hit on Brazil. Trump signed an executive order imposing a massive 50% tariff on Brazilian imports, accusing some countries of failing to resolve economic imbalances or refusing to align with U.S. interests.
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Meanwhile, the administration continues to boast about progress with key allies. Recent trade agreements have been finalized with the European Union, South Korea, the U.K., Japan, Indonesia, and even the Philippines — signaling that Trump’s tough talk is bearing fruit.
But two big names remain: Mexico and China.
Trump announced a 90-day extension to finalize a new trade deal with Mexico, the United States’ top trading partner. Goods outside the USMCA will still carry a 25% tariff, but a planned hike to 30% has been shelved — for now.
China, on the other hand, is still operating under a ticking clock, with talks aiming to wrap up by August 12.
“The complexities of a Deal with Mexico are somewhat different than other Nations because of both the problems, and assets, of the Border,” Trump explained on Truth Social. “We will be talking to Mexico over the next 90 Days with the goal of signing a Trade Deal somewhere within the 90 Day period of time, or longer.”
Democrats Silent As Fetterman Defies Party Narrative
Fetterman’s comments break sharply from the standard Democrat line that Trump’s tariffs are reckless, destructive, and dangerous. In fact, by calling Trump’s approach a success — and doubling down on it — he’s exposing just how divided the party really is when it comes to America’s economic future.
Fetterman didn’t hedge. He didn’t waffle. He flat-out said Trump is winning — and gave props to Bill Maher for admitting the tariffs didn’t crash the economy like many on the Left predicted.
Whether his party turns on him or not remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: John Fetterman just lit a firestorm by doing the unthinkable — telling the truth about Trump’s economic impact.
And the 2024 race just got a lot more interesting.
