• Trump insists tariffs on China are justified and that "China probably will eat those tariffs."
• Concerns raised about price increases for American consumers, including essentials.
• Economists warn of potential negative impacts on the U.S. economy due to trade policies.

In a recent interview, President Donald Trump defended his trade policies, asserting that "China probably will eat those tariffs," in reference to the 145% tariff he proposed on Chinese products. He claimed that the tariffs are a necessary response to what he described as China "ripping us off" in trade deals. Despite warnings from reporters about the potential for increased prices on consumer goods, Trump countered that those concerns may not materialize, stating, "You don’t know whether or not China’s going to eat it," according to The Hill and HuffPost.

Trump's assertion came amid a heated exchange with ABC's Terry Moran, who explained that the tariff could significantly raise prices on various products, from electronics to housing. Trump maintained his stance, suggesting that the economic impact would not be as severe as predicted. He reiterated, “They deserve it,” referencing the longstanding trade imbalance with China, according to India Times and HuffPost.

Nevertheless, many economists are skeptical of Trump's optimistic outlook. Experts warn that the tariffs could lead to empty shelves in American stores if Chinese imports cease, echoing concerns that the proposed measures may trigger inflation and disrupt economic stability. The Economist pointed out that American consumers may eventually bear the cost of such tariffs despite Trump's assertions, aligning with views from several economic analysts regarding the risk of a recession due to these trade policies, according to HuffPost and The Hill.