U.S. President Donald Trump said on his Truth Social account that tariffs are making the country “strong and rich,” underscoring his administration’s continued embrace of protectionist trade measures. The comment follows the April rollout of a 145% tariff on a broad range of Chinese imports, a policy that marked one of the most sweeping trade barriers imposed by Washington in decades. The White House argues the levies strengthen domestic industries and improve the government’s leverage in ongoing trade negotiations. Economists and business groups remain divided over the impact of the higher duties. Supporters cite early signs of reshoring in sectors such as steel and solar panels, while critics warn that the tariffs are raising input costs for manufacturers and consumers and risk provoking retaliatory measures from key trading partners.