President Donald Trump clarified that his tariff strategy aims to boost domestic production of military equipment and technology rather than textiles, as trade policy continues to reshape U.S. manufacturing priorities and market dynamics.
What Happened: Speaking to reporters before boarding Air Force One in New Jersey on Sunday, Trump endorsed Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent’s April 29 comments dismissing the need for a “booming textile industry,” according to a Reuters report.
“We’re not looking to make sneakers and T-shirts. We want to make military equipment. We want to make big things. We want to make, do the AI thing,” Trump stated. “I’m not looking to make T-shirts, to be honest. I’m not looking to make socks. …