Trump Admits He ‘Couldn’t Care Less’ If Car Prices Go Up Due To Tariffs

President Donald Trump said on Saturday he “couldn’t care less” if his looming 25% tariffs raise the prices of foreign-made vehicles for Americans.

Trump’s comments came as the White House gears up to enforce new tariffs on a variety of consumer goods, including foreign-made auto parts and imported vehicles, starting on Wednesday.

The move has sparked criticism from consumers and global leaders, especially after Trump vowed to lower prices for Americans during his campaign.

In an interview with NBC News, Trump appeared unfazed by the potential for increased prices, which he claimed will boost sales of American-made cars.

“The message is congratulations, if you make your car in the United States, you’re going to make a lot of money,” he said when asked if he had urged motor industry CEOs not to push off the costs of tariffs onto their consumers. “If you don’t, you’re going to have to probably come to the United States, because if you make your car in the United States, there is no tariff.”

The outlet then grilled him about whether he told top automakers not to hike up prices, per The Wall Street Journal’s report, prompting Trump to respond, “No, I never said that. I couldn’t care less if they raise prices, because people are going to start buying American-made cars.”

He added during a phone interview on March 29, “I couldn’t care less. I hope they raise their prices, because if they do, people are gonna buy American-made cars. We have plenty.”

Reiterating his sentiments, Trump admitted that he’s not worried about prices going up.

“I couldn’t care less, because if the prices on foreign cars go up, they’re going to buy American cars,” he claimed.

Elsewhere in the conversation, Trump declared that the tariffs will “absolutely” be here to stay.

“Absolutely, they’re permanent, sure. The world has been ripping off the United States for the last 40 years and more. And all we’re doing is being fair, and frankly, I’m being very generous,” he said.