Donald Trump defends tariffs as ‘peacekeeping tools’ ahead of Canada talks

President Donald Trump on Monday (October 6, 2025) said his administration’s tariff policies have made America “a peacekeeper, not just a superpower,” defending his trade approach as he prepared to meet Canadian Prime Minister Mike Carney.

“Tariffs are significant for the United States,” Mr. Trump told reporters. “We are a peacekeeper because of tariffs. Not only do we make hundreds of billions of dollars, but we stop wars.”

He cited his earlier use of tariff pressure to ease tensions between India and Pakistan, saying, “They were ready to go at it — seven planes shot down. What I said stopped it.”

Mr. Trump said he expects Mr. Carney to press him on trade imbalances as Canadian firms move operations to the U.S. “They’re losing a lot of companies,” he said. “Everybody’s moving back into the U.S. — from Canada, Mexico, even China.”

Mr. Trump also discussed a recent call with Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, describing it as “a great conversation.” “He’s a good man,” Trump said. “We’ll start doing business.”

The president said that tariffs have bolstered U.S. manufacturing, created jobs, and enhanced America’s global leverage. “We’re a rich, prosperous country again,” he said. “More importantly, we have influence.”

He claimed the United States had “ended seven wars” partly because of his trade leverage. “If I didn’t have tariffs to throw around, you’d have four wars raging right now,” he said.

As trade talks with Canada and Brazil continue, Mr. Trump said he would “consider adjustments” if “they’re fair and make sense.”

This article is published in an arrangement with 5WH.