Trump emphasized economic strength, global respect, and national sovereignty for America

President Donald Trump has, on several occasions, proclaimed a new era for the United States, emphasizing economic strength, global respect, and national sovereignty. His statement, “Our country will flourish again and be respected all over the world. We will be the envy of every nation, and we will no longer allow ourselves to be taken advantage of. We’re going to reclaim our wealth. This is the beginning of Liberation Day in America”, was expressed in various forms during his 2025 inaugural address and subsequent statements.

Trump has used the term “Liberation Day” flexibly, linking it to his election on November 5, 2024, his inauguration on January 20, 2025, and a major tariff announcement on April 2, 2025. Each time, it reflects his claim that these moments are pivotal in freeing America from foreign exploitation and domestic mismanagement.

In his second inaugural address, he called January 20, 2025, “Liberation Day” for American citizens, signaling the start of his “America First” policy. Later, on April 2, 2025, in the White House Rose Garden, he again dubbed it “Liberation Day,” tying it to a tariff plan aimed at reshaping trade relationships.

For Trump, the “oppression” is economic: decades of trade imbalances, job losses, and unfavorable international deals. His solution? A bold strategy rooted in protectionism, national pride, and unilateral action.

The centerpiece of Trump’s April 2, 2025, “Liberation Day” was the announcement of sweeping tariffs, a policy he has supported since the 1980s. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt described it as a move to end “unfair trade practices that have been ripping off our country for decades.”

The plan included reciprocal tariffs, matching or exceeding those imposed by other countries on American goods, as well as targeted duties: 25% on imports from Canada and Mexico, 20% on Chinese goods linked to fentanyl production, and additional taxes on pharmaceuticals, lumber, and copper.

Trump’s argument is simple: foreign nations have “taken advantage” of America by flooding its markets with cheap goods, stealing jobs and wealth. By imposing tariffs, he aims to encourage domestic production and force other countries to negotiate fairer trade terms.

In his Rose Garden speech, he reportedly said, “We’re going to charge countries for doing business in our country and taking our jobs, taking our wealth,” reflecting his belief that trade deficits equate to national losses.

In his first term, Trump withdrew from the Paris Climate Accord and renegotiated NAFTA into the USMCA, citing unfair burdens on American workers. His second term amplifies this approach, with advisers like Peter Navarro estimating that tariffs could generate $600 billion annually, though some argue that such revenue depends on sustained imports, which tariffs are designed to deter.